Welsh Premier League Football - Saints' boss disappointed but proud

THE New Saints' manager Mike Davies was "disappointed but proud" after a 3-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of Anderlecht.
Recovering from a disastrous start which saw the Welsh Premier champions concede twice in the first 18 minutes, Saints matched their multi-million opponents stride for stride and reduced the arrears through a Craig Jones goal, before conceding a third on 73 minutes.
"To go two down early on was not the greatest of starts, we just switched off, but I think we've got to proud of ourselves," said Davies.
"There is a bit of disappointment in the camp but you have to put it into perspective and look at who we were playing against.
"I couldnt have asked any more from the lads and it was a great tie to be involved in.
"We will go to Anderlecht with confidence and give it our best shot. We’ve shown we can compete with them and we have what it takes to score goals.
"We played the ball around and at times you couldn't tell who was who."
Anderlecht coach Ariel Jacobs paid tribute to TNS: "The Saints showed that they have character, they played with good heart and can play in a rather un-British way.
"Their goal woke us us a bit. Afterwards we scored fairly quickly but in such games we should have an easy scenario but instead we make it difficult for ourselves.
"I was quite satisfied by the 20th minute, we played good football with good pace.
"Then, at the end of the first half it's a typical situation against a team that's weaker, and everyone starts running everywhere
"Players don't understand that by keeping it simple you make it easier for yourselves, we have to draw lessons from that.
"But I must congratulate them, they were surprised by our fast start and they found the mental strength to come back so I think it's quite a compliment to them," he added.
TNS will be without defender Chris Marriott for the second leg in Brussels. The young left-back hobbled-off with ankle ligament damage following a strong challenge and is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Photo: Craig Jones goes close for TNS with a first-half header.