An agonising late equaliser denied Cefn Druids a famous Europa League victory in their first qualifying round clash with FK Trakai.

Surpassing expectations has become a habit for Huw Griffiths and Cefn Druids, and his side looked on course for a famous victory until Donatas Kazlauskas’ 86th minute strike earned The Knights a 1-1 draw.

In only their second ever foray into European football, one of Wales’ oldest clubs took a deserved 48th minute lead when James Davies’ close range finish nestled in the corner of the net.

Played in sweltering heat at Oswestry’s Park Hall stadium, the Ancients looked compact and assured throughout, and were never overawed by the occasion.

Proud Griffiths was left to reflect on what might have been, but was unequivocally proud of his battling players.

He said: “It was the exact game plan that we’ve worked so hard on over the last few weeks.

“We lost to three Welsh Premier League teams in our warm-up games but it was all about getting it right and we were very nearly there.

“We’ve got to be disappointed because we’ve drawn the game, but it feels like a defeat. The lads are gutted in there but I thought we caused them a lot of problems and really went out to attack them and I think they were shocked by that.

"I’m sure that will be a bit different when we get out there for the second leg. But but overall I’m delighted – just a little disappointed we couldn’t quite get it over the line tonight.”

Griffiths was keen to temper expectations before the game, but his side acquitted themselves superbly and matched their more experienced opponents from the outset.

Trakai had their first sight of goal inside five minutes when Kazlaukas found space just inside the box, but his low effort was comfortably gathered by Druids keeper Michael Jones.

Concerted pressure on the ball in midfield allowed Druids to get forward and force a corner, from which Arek Piskorski blazed over from a tight angle.

A foul by Alec Mudimu in a wide left position allowed Svajunas ?y?as to swing a dangerous fee-kick into the Druids six-yard box, which was scrambled clear.

Defender Nathan Peate then went close at the other end as he headed narrowly wide from a deep free-kick.

Midway through the half, a heavy challenge by Justinas Januševskij left new Druids signing Jordan Evans in a heap and yielded the first yellow card as the game grew increasingly fragmented.

Former Wales U21 player Evans then showed his class as he powered down the left wing to relieve the pressure after a promising Trakai attack broke down.

And with half-time imminent, Ancients skipper Neil Ashton bravely headed clear from a dangerous delivery into the box, before another timely interception from Naim Arsan thwarted the Trakai attackers.

The Welsh side’s frustrations grew as a series of errant forward passes ceded possession and allowed Trakai’s deep lying midfielders to clear.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the Ancients emerged with renewed purpose after the break and they were rewarded three minutes from the restart.

Latching onto a ball on the left flank, Evans drove forward and beat Trakai skipper Valdemar Borovskij in the full-back position before crossing for the lurking Davies to swivel and direct the ball beyond Trakai keeper Tomas Švedkauskas.

Trakai pushed immediately for a response, but a fluid attacking move culminated in ?y?as seeing his wildly-hit strike from 20 yards clear the bar.

Druids’ midfielder Ryan Kershaw then tried his luck with a well-struck free-kick from 25 yards, which sailed just over.

Davies went close to doubling Druids’ lead but his goalbound curling effort was superbly repelled by Švedkauskas, who pushed the ball away to safety.

Defensive solidity was integral to the Ancients’ success last term, but they were frequently exposed late on by Trakai’s classy attacking options.

Currently in the midst of their domestic season , Trakai’s superior fitness levels came to the fore in the oppressive heat.

Substitute Edvinas Baniulis ought to have done better when he scuffed his effort when well-placed 15 yards from goal, Druids stopper Jones gathering comfortably.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes and Druids sat deeper and deeper, Arsan was forced into a goal line clearance from a scramble in the box to preserve their lead.

But there was late heartbreak as Kazlauskas’ sweetly-struck half-volley flew into the net off the far post to deny Druids the win.

Despite the setback, Druids will head to Lithuania next week with the tie still firmly alive and Trakai know they need to improve.