TNS 1 Midtjylland 3 < Match report

Steve Evans became The New Saints' leading goalscorer in Europe - but the defender's delight was shortlived as the Danes had the last word at Park Hall.

The former Welsh international headed home Chris Marriott's corner just before the hour mark to give the Oswestry men real hope of a Europa League upset.

But Evans' fourth goal in European action only served to spark a classy Midtjylland side who were soon back on terms before two late goals left TNS with a monumental task of salvaging the tie in next Thursday's return leg in Denmark.

"I thought we contained them well, the lads put in a really good shift, but there were three sloppy goals from our point of view," said ex-Wrexham man Evans.

"We were a bit unlucky with their equaliser, we tried to clear it but the ball took a ricochet and their lad nipped in.

"But they were dangerous all night, they had three one-on-ones before we scored, and we've now got a difficult job over there."

The Saints started well enough, Craig Jones seeing a far post header graze the bar from a Marriott corner but, despite the hosts' effort and resolve, Midtjylland were soon showing swift movement and nifty footwork.

Their slick passing often opened up the home defence, but the finishing touch was lacking as Sylvester Igboun, Rilwan Hassan, Jakob Poulsen and Jesper Juelsgaird all failed to profit from promising positions.

Despite losing former West Brom defender Martin Albrechsten through injury, the visitors looked increasingly dangerous with Danish international Poulsen curling a free kick inches wide five minutes before the break.

Midtjylland, who won at Manchester City three years ago, started the second half with real menace but were again found wanting in front of goal with Hassan firing wide after an incisive move, while Tim Janssen also failed to cash in.

A goal looked to be on the cards but, somewhat surprisingly, it came at the other end when the tall Evans headed home Marriott's inviting corner from the right on 59 minutes to give the Saints hope of another famous European night.

But it was to prove a false dawn as Midtjylland upped a gear in the last half hour with a three goal blast to take a firm grip of the second qualifying round encounter.

Nigerian hitman Hassan finally found the net when nipping in to volley home from close in on 65 minutes, while the Saints survived further scares when substitute Jude Nworuh fired over and Poulsen hit the inside of the post.

But two goals in the last five minutes stunned the Welsh Premier runners-up as Danny Olsen slotted home an 86th minute penalty after Simon Spender had tripped Jesper Juelsgaird before sub Mads Albaek cut in from the left to fire his angled shot into the far corner with virtually the last kick of the game.

It was a harsh late lesson for TNS, but Midtjylland were full value for their win as they put one foot firmly in the third qualifying round.