Newtown boss Chris Hughes says it's "virtually impossible" for his side to compete due to the gulf in resources after his side's 5-0 aggregate defeat to Dundalk.

The Robins turned in an improved second-leg display but went down 1-0 at Park Hall last night, following a 4-0 defeat in the first leg at Croft Park.

Five years ago, Dundalk provided a European fairytale when they qualified for the group stages of the Europa League, a feat which earns the club significant levels of prize money, and last season they repeated the trick, going up against Arsenal, Rapid Vienna and Molde.

"It's all about levels. You're asking my team to go up against a club who earned 4.5 million euros in the group stages last year," he said.

"They played Arsenal last year. We're out of season, they're in season - it's virtually impossible to compete.

"People have spoken about it over the years and then it gets forgotten about because the domestic season starts and we don't think about it again until next summer when the clubs don't do so well.

"Would a change to summer football help, I'm not sure, but you look at the differences between the two clubs and the investment in the club and the prize money they generate... they're a good side, their budget is far and away above anything in our league."

The Robins were already facing an uphill task after last week's defeat, but arguably deserved a draw with an improved display last night, but the quality of finishing from the Irish side put paid to Newtown hopes after they scored with a lightning break early in the second half.

"We're disappointed to lose the game from a break, we should have been able to stop that and take the foul or something, but they have good quality," added Hughes.

"We're frustrated with the goal but we got to grips with them tonight and imposed ourselves on them.

"We've got the next four and a half weeks before our first game and we're looking forward to that now."