Stephen Robinson targeted another tilt at Europe after two goals in three minutes by Brann sunk St Mirren’s Europa Conference League hopes in Norway.
A last-gasp equaliser from Toyosi Olusanya in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie in Paisley last week meant the Buddies – playing European football this season for the first time in 37 years – travelled to Brann Stadion with optimism.
On a sodden pitch, home defender Joachim Soltvedt scored after just six minutes but substitute Alex Iacovitti levelled for the battling Saints in the 74th minute with a header from a corner.
However, in the 85th minute Felix Myhre headed Brann back in front before substitute Aune Heggebo drove in to make it 3-1 in the 88th minute for a 4-2 aggregate win.
But Robinson told BBC Radio Scotland he wants to get back into Europe.
The Northern Irishman said: “Very proud but we had them rocking.
“We score a brilliantly worked corner. Fraser Taylor, brilliant delivery and for 10 minutes we had them rocking, and Toyosi slips over when he’s got a sidefoot into the goal and the game could have been very different.
“The save from Oisin Smyth is a tremendous save, credit to their goalkeeper.
“The goals we conceded, that’s a big disappointment. Every goal is preventable, but they were poor individual errors which cost us tonight.
“I’m very proud of them, proud of the fans. We’ve got a taste of it now. We want more.”
Brann had looked an impressive outfit in Paisley last week but Saints gave as good as they got for long spells in Norway after Robinson stressed the importance of belief.
“I wrote that very word on the board: belief,” said the Buddies boss.
“I said the only mistake you can make tonight is not believing in yourself, because we’re good enough to get a result. And they showed that.
“It was a slip for the first goal. Alex (Gogic) slips for the first goal but we stuck to our task. I thought we were playing well.
“We came in at half-time, and we believed that we could stay in the game and create chances which we done.
“But levels wise – they are a very, very good side. I have to give credit to Brann, a very good side. Very good manager, a brilliant city as well.
“So everyone’s very much enjoyed it bar the result. But as I say, we’ve had a taste of this, and we want more.”
