John Caulfield admitted he had mixed feelings after Cork City's impressive performance in defeat against Genk as his men spurned some big chances to plunder a precious away goal.
The Rebels went toe to toe with the Belgian giants on Thursday night, only coming undone after a moment of individual class from Leon Bailey that gave the hosts a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Europa League qualifying third round.
The Airtricity Premier Division outfit return home with this tie very much alive, though boss Caulfield did rue those missed opportunities, particularly Gearoid Morrissey's opening in the last 15 minutes.
“We feel a little bit disappointed because we know in games like this you font get many opportunities," said Caulfield.
"We got one glorious chance and when you get a chance in a match like this you need to take it.
"Unfortunately we didn’t. Obviously we defended really well. I asked my players before the game to leave everything on the pitch, to give a passionate performance.
"We’re in the third qualifying round which nobody thought we’d be in. We’re over here at a massive club and we’re going home with the tie alive. Overall, we’re happy going back to Cork."
City went behind for the first time in their five European games so far this summer when Bailey fizzed home on 31 minutes, but they responded well, holding firm against the hosts' pressure and posing a threat themselves on the counter.
"It'll be a brilliant atmosphere. Hopefully it will lift our lads."
Now, they'll hope fortress Turner's Cross can provide the edge they require to overcome their vaunted opponents.
Caulfield is relishing the chance to whip the home faithful into a frenzy.
“We’ll have massive crowd next week, a full house," he said. "We know how good Genk are but at the same time we need full concentration and we’ll see can we put it up to them.
“The lads are shattered. They tried so hard. In Europe it’s so vital to get an away goal because when the game goes to Cork next week, one goal for Genk would means three for us if you want to progress. We need to defend well and maybe then we can score one.
“It’s a pleasure for me to bring the lads back to Cork next week in front of a full house with us still in the tie.
"It'll be a brilliant atmosphere. Hopefully it will lift our lads."
