The New Saints’ European campaign came to a disappointing early end on Tuesday night as they fell to a 1-0 defeat away to FC Differdange 03 in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round second leg, condemning the JD Cymru Premier champions to a 2-0 loss on aggregate.
Samir Hadji’s confident finish from the penalty spot midway through the second half proved the difference in Luxembourg, as the hosts deservedly progressed from the tie.
It proved to be a frustrating evening for TNS, who lacked the attacking impetus that was required following last week’s narrow first leg defeat.
A combative first half underlined the significance of the tie for both clubs and Artur Abreu was cautioned for the hosts following a robust midfield challenge involving Danny Redmond. Both players arrived late to the ball, resulting in a fierce collision between the two.
TNS exit the UEFA Conference League in the second qualifying round after reaching the League Phase last season
And it was amidst that escalating tension that The New Saints had their best opportunity of the game, yet failed to capitalise on two golden chances in quick succession.
Dominic Corness’ superb ball over the Differdange defence sent Ben Clark clear on goal, but the Saints midfielder’s attempt to dribble around goalkeeper Felipe was thwarted. Ken Charles’ unconvincing follow-up shot was too weak to trouble Differdange, who breathed a sigh of relief.
Those missed chances would prove costly in the second half as the Luxembourg champions gained the ascendancy after squandering a host of chances.
Moments after Nathan Shepperd had reacted well to parry a shot onto the post, Differdange were awarded a penalty as Ben Clark blocked an effort on the line with his hand. Hadji thumped into the top right-hand corner from 12 yards to double the aggregate lead.
Saints substitute Rory Holden clipped the post late on as he sought to claim a late consolation but it was too little, too late from the Oswestry side who are left ruing a bleak European campaign following last year’s history-making heroics on the continent.
“In the first half I thought the lads were fantastic, we dominated the game,” Craig Harrison said. “In this level of football, when you’re on top, you’ve got to score. It’s a different story if you score, it changes the complexity.
“Every single game whether it’s domestic or European, all they can ever do is give everything they’ve got and they have done through the campaign.
“For whatever reason, which we need to go and analyse, we’ve had a few injuries, we’re bedding in a few new faces, we’ve lost a few experienced players and maybe this was two or three weeks too early.
“You look at the first half today and that was a really good performance, that was right up there with last season’s performances. We started the second half really well and then they had a good spell of 20 minutes, which they were always going to, and they score. In our 50-60 minutes tonight that we dominated, we didn’t, that’s the difference.”