Manager Mike Davies admitted The New Saints were handed a harsh lesson after a late collapse put paid to hopes of another famous night in the Europa League.

Having seen off Cliftonville the previous week, the Saints faced a far sterner test against the might of FC Midtjylland in last night’s second qualifying round at Park Hall.

For an hour, it went to plan as Steve Evans’ fourth European goal gave TNS realistic thoughts of pulling off a first leg surprise.

But the classy Danish visitors struck three times to run out 3-1 winners and seize the initiative for next’s Thursday’s return leg, leaving TNS to reflect on what might have been.

“Having worked so hard and put in such a good performance, it was really disappointing not get the result we deserved,” said Davies.

“Midtylland are a quality side, but when we scored we thought we could have another memorable night, but it was not to be.

“After we scored, we knew they would be capable of stepping up a gear, which is what they did. We switched off and they punished us.

Proud

“I was disappointed to concede the goals in the manner we did, and the goal at the end didn’t make the scoreline very pretty.

“But overall I was proud of the players, they deserve a lot of credit, but it showed you can’t make mistakes at this level.”

Despite the scoreline, Davies says the Saints will be heading to Denmark for next Thursday’s return leg in positive mood.

“We’ve now got to score three times over there which is a big ask, but we’ve shown a lot of character in the past and we’ll be looking to do the club proud,” he added.

“It’s another European game for us, we’ve got to believe we’ve got a chance and we’ll be looking to enjoy the experience.”

The Oswestry-based Saints have little time to dwell on last night as Luton Town are the visitors in a friendly on Sunday, before they fly out to Denmerk next week for the return leg.