Andrew Mumford's 52nd-minute strike gave the Welsh Premier side the lead but Vetra levelled within four minutes.

Darvydas Servnas, who was sent off in the last minute for foul play, broke through to bring Vetra level.

Then Vitalijhs Stankevicius' penalty and Dajan Miloseski's late 20-yard free-kick condemned the Reds to defeat.

However, midfielder Mumford's crucial away goal in Vilnius gives Llanelli some hope to take back to Carmarthen's Richmond Park on 1 July for the return leg.

Before the break Vetra applied early pressure with Egidiths Jhska, Lima Severino and Stankevicius all going close playing on the counter-attack.

Llanelli created a couple of chances for striker Rhys Griffiths and wide midfielder Sam Small, but the west Wales outfit had no luck in front of goal.

The Reds' woes were compounded by a serious injury to frontman Craig Williams.

The under-strength Reds had travelled to Lithuania without four key players - Jacob Mingorance, Paul Wanless, Chris Holloway and goalkeeper Duncan Roberts.

Manager Peter Nicholas was then forced to make two more late changes as defenders Stuart Jones and Lee Phillips withdrew, Phillips with an injury and Jones because he had not been registered with Uefa.