Barry Johnston’s stunning strike kept Cliftonville in contention as The New Saints flattered to deceive in this Europa League opener at Park Hall.

The midfielder, more noted for his defensive work, conjured a moment of class when curling his angled 25-yarder beyond keeper Paul Harrison and into the top left corner of the net to leave next Thursday’s return leg in Northern Ireland tantalisingly poised.

Visiting manager Tommy Breslin hailed what could prove a key moment as the Belfast side boosted their hopes of progressing courtesy of a vital away goal, but wondered what Johnston was doing so far upfield.

“He is a defensive midfielder, so I don’t know quite what he was doing up there and I’ll be speaking to him about it afterwards!” he said. “But it was a great strike, and we’re happy enough with a draw as it keeps us in the tie for next week.”

While the visitors returned home satisfied with their efforts, the Saints were left to reflect on a night when they failed to deliver after taking the lead through Alex Darlington.

Despite plenty of possession and some golden chances, the Oswestry men paid the price for a laboured approach that leaves them with plenty to do if they hope to progress past the first qualifying round.

Buoyed by last season’s exploits when enjoying a run of six games in Europe, TNS started well enough with new signing Chris Williams curling one shot just wide.

And Chris Sharp had the ball in the net on 15 minutes after keeper Ryan Brown had saved from Craig Jones but his effort was ruled out by the offside flag.

The lively Jones looked the most likely to open the door with his trademark running, but it was a night when several of his team-mates drifted in and out of the game.

Steve Evans – back in business following his contractual dispute – proved a rocklike figure in the heart of defence, and almost marked his return with a goal but his header was deflected just past the post.

However, the Saints got the goal their early endeavours deserved on 27 minutes when Aaron Edwards slipped the ball to Darlington who outmanoeuvred the defence to neatly slot low past Brown from 15 yards.

However, the hosts seemed to go into their shell after that, allowing Johnston space on the right five minutes before half time and the midfielder swept home an exquisite strike from 25 yards that gave keeper Harrison no chance.

Rocked by the goal, the Saints struggled to find a way through a resolute midfield in the second half with a string of stray passes adding to their frustration in an increasingly sloppy performance.

However, despite lacking the required urgency, the Oswestry men had two golden chances, the first when Chris Sharp volleyed over from point blank range on 53 minutes from Simon Spender’s right wing cross.

And substitute Greg Draper, the former New Zealand under-21 striker, could only plant his firm header straight at keeper Brown four minutes from time following more trickery from Jones on the right.

With everything now to play for in the return, TNS boss Mike Davies can take comfort that his side still created a number of chances despite being below par.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER