Saints still in the tie despite first leg loss - Harrison

The New Saints head coach Craig Harrison says there is still all to play for in the Champions League despite their 2-0 first leg defeat to Sabah.

Saints were undone by two second half goals by the champions of Azerbaijan in the away leg of their first qualifying round in Baku.

But Harrison believes his side can overturn that deficit in the second leg at Park Hall next Tuesday.

"We are well and truly in the tie and we look forward to bringing Sabah back to Park Hall," Harrison said.

"If we had went away with a 1-0 defeat, it wouldn't have been the worst result in the world, but I don't think 2-0 is either.

"It keeps you in the game and keeps you ready to go back at Park Hall.

"We've had a really good record at Park Hall in recent years.

"We gave Ferencvaros and Hacken really good games and were only beaten by the odd goal by both teams.

"So, if we can get a goal first, then it's game on again."

Veljko Simic and Kaheem Parris struck in the second half for Sabah, who dominated the game but were frustrated by a disciplined defensive performance by TNS.

Harrison said he was "very proud" of his side's efforts

"Myself and the coaching staff have spent long hours planning it, trying to get it from paper to pitch, getting across to the players and the players have come on board perfectly," Harrison added.

"It's a set play for the first one and the second one's a very, very good goal because they're very good players.

"We've got to sometimes accept that and we have accepted it.

"But I thought overall, the players carried out the plan almost perfectly and we are as happy as what we can be after being beaten."