![Liam McCreesh runs at the TPS defence [picture: Gareth Hughes]](/sgorio/sites/default/files/image/mccreesh_tps480.jpg)
A Martin Rose goal 20 minutes from time gave Port Talbot a glimmer of hope for the second leg of their Europa League tie with TPS Turku.
Riku Riski had put the Finish side ahead on 24 minutes despite some early heroic defending from the Steelmen.
Babatunde Wusu doubled the home side’s lead after half hour before Riski netted his second of the game five minutes later ensuring a shell shocked Port Talbot went in at the break three goals down.
However a spirited second half performance from Port Talbot, who were playing in Europe for the very first time, saw a superb Rose header from a Lee John free kick reduce the deficit on 70 minutes.
And substitute, Drew Fahiya, had a glorious chance to pull a second goal back for the Steelmen but unfortunately for Mark Jones’ men, the tricky winger dragged his shot wide.
Port Talbot manager, Jones, was upbeat following the final whistle telling Sgorio that the tie was "very much alive."
"TPS certainly won’t be looking forward to coming to Port Talbot – that’s for sure," insisted Jones.
"We’re not getting carried away here because TPS are a very good side. (Jonaton) Johannson was head and shoulders above anyone else out there tonight. The way he created their second goal was Premiership quality.
"But we made a few changes at half time and I thought we were excellent in the second half.
"I’m actually disappointed we only managed to grab one goal back, but that one goal means we’re still in there," said Jones.
TPS: Henrik Moisander, Igor Jovanovic, Jaakko Nyberg, Sami Rahmonen, Mikko Manninen, Riku Riski (Jani Virtanen 75′), Mika Aaritalo (Roope Riski 78′), Toni Kolehmainen, Jonatan Johansson, Christopher Cleaver, Babatunde Wusu.
Unused subs: Jani Kristian Tuomala, Mikael Liespuu, Ville Rannikko, Jesse Saarinen, Santeri Mäkinen.
Goals: Riku Riski 24′ 35′, Babatunde Wusu 30′
Yellow card: Sami Rahmonen 88′
Port Talbot: Lee Kendall, Leigh De Vulgt (Nicky Holland 46′), Lloyd Grist, Karl Lewis, Matthew Rees, Lee Surman, Martin Rose (Luke Bowen 87′), Liam McCreesh, Scott Barrow, Lee John (Drew Fahiya 87′), Gareth Phillips.
Unused subs: David Burnett, Danny Thomas, Nicky Palmer, David Brooks. Scorer: Martin Rose 70′
Yellow cards: Gareth Phillips 21′, Lee Surman 84′, Karl Lewis 90′
Referee: Marcin Szulc (Poland)
