 David Jeffrey's side missed a first half penalty against Gorica |
Linfield manager David Jeffrey said he could not have asked any more of his players in the 3-1 defeat by Slovenian champions Gorica on Tuesday night. "Sometimes you just have to put your hands up and admit you were beaten by the better team but there were a lot of plusses as well as a few minuses.
"We made mistakes and were punished for them but overall I'm proud of the team and the fans gave us a good ovation.
"The lads worked their socks off and created quite a few chances," he said.
"Peter Thompson missed a penalty and on another night he could have scored two or three while other players had good goalscoring opportunities too.
"We had plenty of possession in the first half but they were clinical and their first goal is as good as you will ever see.
"Their keeper made some great saves, as did Alan Mannus. We worked hard and I was delighted with Mark Dickson and Jamie Mulgrew who played well.
"It's going to be difficult in the second leg but we will prepare well, be positive and try and get a good result.
"The players will take pride in their performance but it will take something of a miracle to make it to the next round," said Jeffrey.
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