Steelman Jones believes his side can Progress

Port Talbot (1) v (3) TPS Turku

UEFA Europa League - First Qualifying Round Second Leg

Venue: GenQuip Stadium
Date: Thursday, 8th July
Kick-off: 18:15 BST

Coverage: Live Score and Report updates on this website

Manager Mark Jones believes his Port Talbot side can turn around their 3-1 Europa League first leg deficit when FInnish outfit, TPS Turku visit the GenQuip Stadium on Thursday.

The Steelmen's first European game in their 109-year history saw them trail 3-0 at the break, but kept their hopes alive with a spirited second half show last Thursday.

"The tie is still open," said Jones to the BBC. "I believe we can turn it around.

"The group of players I've got here have got some guts and they will make it difficult for the other side."

Jones wants to ensure the final outcome against their Finnish opponents does not turn out to be like some of the defeats that have been handed out to Welsh sides in Europe over the years.

"When we get them back to our place they are coming for a game which is our aim," he added.

"We've had enough in Welsh football of 7-0 and 8-0 embarrassing results and hopefully we can get a bit of pride back in the game and try and get a result.

"Our aim at the beginning of the game is that we are still in the tie."

Jones is one of the few Welsh managers who can boast the achievement of progressing in Europe with a Welsh Premier League side. The Cardiff-based manager guided his Carmarthen Town side to victory over two legs against Irish side, Longford Town four years ago. During that tie, Jones' Old Gold side were behind after the first leg which was played across the Irish Sea, but when his team played their 'home' game at Newtown the following week, a 5-1 triumph meant that Jones wrote his name in the History books. The passionate manager, who is currently on the FAW's UEFA Pro Licence course for elite managers, certainly has the pedigree to guide his side through against the odds.

The visitors will be tough though and boast former Charlton striker Jonathan Johannsson as their star striker. The Finnish International scored against Wales in his last appearance in the Principality, but Jones will be hoping that his defender Lloyd Grist can mark the former Premier League star out of the game again, just as he did in the first leg.