The New Saints refuse to give up on the European dream

The New Saints are refusing to give up their European dream without a fight, with manager Craig Harrison adamant his players still believe they can reach the Conference League knockout stages.

Those hopes were dented after suffering a third defeat of the group campaign as Tobias Gulliksen earned Sweden victory at Djurgaden in Shrewsbury on Thursday.

It was a performance that once again earned the Oswestry-based team credit for being able to compete with teams well above their rankings.

Yet, lacking a punch in front of goal, that leaves the Welsh flag-bearers outside the play-off positions with two rounds remaining – starting with Greek giants Panathinaikos on December 12.

Having already made history by becoming the first club in the Welsh system to progress to the group stage of a European competition, TNS are not content with simply receiving praise.

“We don’t want to let this go,” said coach Harrison, whose side have so far only picked up points from a home win over Astana.

“We have proven that we deserve to be here. We have faced some very strong teams and we are proving that we are not going to be anyone’s rollovers.

“It doesn’t give us more points to get closer, but it gives us more confidence and it gives us an opportunity.”