Europa League, third qualifying round, second leg

Midtjylland 3 TNS 1

(Midtjylland won 5-1 on aggregate)

TNS bowed out of Europe with their heads held high with a 3-1 defeat against Midtjylland on Thursday.

The Saints were always facing a mammoth challenge overhauling the first-leg’s two goal deficit but started brightly with both Aeron Edwards testing goalkeeper Jesper Hansen before Chris Marriott went close with a free-kick.

However the Danes broke the deadlock with Costa Rican Mayron George firing home a close range strike on 16 minutes.

The Saints looked to get back into the tie straight away and moments later Edwards was denied by the woodwork.

The Saints were not to be denied with Dean Ebbe maintaining his fine European scoring form to offer the Saints the faintest of hopes.

Peter Onuachu could have restored the Danes lead on the night only to fire over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

The home side began the second-half on top and regained their lead on the hour with Ayo Okusun tapping home from close range after Saints goalkeeper Paul Harrison could only parry George's shot.

The hosts added a decisive third goal to their tally with 10 minutes remaining with Okusun heading home Mads Thychosen's cross to complete his brace.

Midtjylland: J Hansen, K Hansen Poulsen, Korscmar, George, Thychosen, Mabil (Krave73), Nicolaisen, Andersson, Onyeka (Okosun 61), Onuachu (Baidoo 84). Subs: Sparv, Munksgaard, Sanneh, Ottesen

TNS: Harrison, Spender, Cabango, Marriott, Routledge, Redmond (Ciewlewicz 70), Hudson, Edwards, Holland (Byrne 79), Mullan, Ebbe (Draper 73). Subs: Hmami, Clark, Nembhard, Roberts