The Saints took on Greek outfit and European regulars Panathinaikos in their penultimate outing in the group phase of the competition – aiming to stay in the hunt for a spot in the play-offs for the next round.
They were up against it for large spells against the Greeks – and were beaten by a goal in either half from Filip Duricic and Foris Ioannidis.
But throughout the game the Saints had chances and had the hosts on the ropes in period of the tie, with the best chances falling to Josh Pask and a late opening for Sion Bradley.
The Saints now have a slim chance of qualifying for the play-offs as they take on Celje next week in Slovenia, needing a victory and other results to go their way.
As he has done throughout the campaign, Harrison expressed pride at his side’s display and believes on another night it could have been different.
He said: “I certainly don’t think we rolled over at all.
“We were disappointed against Djurgarden as we had good stats but no shots on target, but tonight we have made their keeper make the best save of the game from a header from a corner.
“He has also had to make a couple of other saves, he made a few blocks on the line and they needed some emergency defending on their part to keep us out.
“So it is really pleasing tonight because apart from the result, we near enough got it spot on.”
The Saints were just a goal down midway through the second half when defender Harrison McGahey was penalised for an alleged foul in the box, allowing the visitors to increase their lead from the spot.
The controversial decision angered Harrison on the touchline and he was booked by the referee for his protests. The Saints boss insists it was a decision that you would only see in European football.
“It was soft, I saw it on the iPad on the bench and it was a soft one,” claimed the Harrison.
“I think it only gets given in European football, I don’t think it gets given in domestic football or in other parts of the world.
“It wasn’t a turning point because we didn’t have them on the ropes or anything but we were just about to bring two attackers on to go and get something, but it was not to be.”
