Video: Craig Harrison is proud of TNS
Boss Craig Harrison insists The New Saints can hold their heads high after going out of the Champions League with a 3-0 exit at classy Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia.
After drawing 0-0 in the first leg, the Saints had an opportunity to make it through to the third qualifying round for only the second time in their history.
But their brave effort was to no avail, as goals after the interval from Cypriot internationals Nektarios Alexandrou and Pieros Sotiriou swung the tie in favour of the hosts.
Tomas De Vincenti completed the visitors' disappointment when he added a third with a penalty in injury time, after being tripped in the box.
The Cypriots deservedly set up a clash against either Rosenberg, of Norway, or Swedes IFK Norrkoping.
Boss Harrison said: "I'm gutted but, at the same time, extremely proud of all the players and staff for an unbelievable effort over the two legs against a very good APOEL side.
"The second goal made it a huge ask and took the wind out of our sails. We had our chances, but that is me being ultra-critical."
In a game in which their scoring opportunities were few and far between.
The Oswestry-based Saints had their moments with Adrian Cieslewicz letting fly at one point, but failed to capitalise on a couple of promising positions.
