'Gut-wrenching': The New Saints manager hails players after valiant Conference League effort

Both the Saints and Celje needed a victory on matchday six and for results to go their way.

And on two occasions in the first half the Saints were edging towards an unlikely qualification, but Danny Davies and Rory Holden's goals were cancelled out immediately following defensive mistakes.

The Saints battled to keep the Slovenians at bay but David Zec's goal eleven minutes from time was enough for the hosts to progress - as the Saints bowed out.

"It is hard, it is gut-wrenching," insisted Harrison.

"We just had to stay tight for five minutes and ride the storm out, and it could have been a lot different.

"But the lads were excellent, I've said since day one that I just want them to leave everything out there and they did that.

"We just didn't have the luck at times, their keeper kept one out as it smashed into his face late on, if that goes in we get a point.

"But we just haven't had the rub of the green or luck of the draw."

At one point in the game, the Saints were in a position where two more goals would have seen them progress if results elsewhere stayed the same.

As it happened, Celje went in front and games changed elsewhere, meaning the Saints finished the competition in 32nd placed on three points from their six outings.

Many predicted them to finish bottom without a single point, and the campaign leaves Harrison with great pride at the fact his side remained in the competition until the final moments.

He added: "I didn't look at other scores, I was just concentrating on ourselves, and all three goals were poor to concede.

"But I said to the lads, just give everything again and again and that is all I can ask.

"We look back with great pride, we stuck together throughout and we were in the competition until the final few moments of the game."