An injury-time penalty from Adrian Jarvis ruined Connacht's start the Challenge Cup as they went down 19-18 to NEC Harlequins but coach Michael Bradley was not too downbeat.
The westerners lost for the first time in a European tie at the Sportsground since April of last year, when Sale Sharks eclipsed them 25-18, and after the round one action, they reside in third position in Pool 4.
Bradley can certainly see his men surprising pacesetters Bath on Saturday (The Rec, kick-off 2.15pm), but a late lapse cost Connacht dearly last Friday night.
Having watched his forwards foul Nick Easter, driving in early under the flanker, at a lineout and gift Jarvis the match-winning shot at goal, the Connacht boss said: "Seemingly it's a planned move that Harlequins have which we were unaware of - they play for it and it was good play by them. We got caught out that time, but we won't get caught again.
"There were incidents prior to that in the last ten minutes which if we turned the possession we had into position we wouldn't have been in the situation we were in.
"Mark McHugh getting ruled out just before the start of the game didn't help. That kinda slightly unsettled us but we coped with that," he told reporters afterwards.
"The lads did themselves proud, gave themselves the opportunities to win but unfortunately we didn't. Again, the crowd were magnificent, it was a great night here.
"There were just the little things, if they turn against you on the night, you won't win the match. Certainly if we go to Harlequins and perform like that, we could easily win the match."
Having never played Bath in European competition, Connacht will hope to spring a suprise on the former Heineken Cup champions next weekend. A win there and the province can look forward to a bit of home comfort when the Challenge Cup resumes in December.
Bradley added: "Bath will be a different prospect over there, they beat Montpellier 21-14 and they're riding high. They might just take their eye off the ball and we might catch them and it'll be all square after next week.
"This was our seventh successive home game and I've been very pleased with our form. The crowd have really taken to the team, the Friday nights have been excellent and the people coming to the matches have really participated and it's been a big plus for us.
"Going away, we never fear going away. We perform well all the time in the Magners League when we go away and in the Challenge Cup.
"Certainly we will be looking forward to coming back here in December - I think our next home match is in the Challenge Cup against Montpellier.
"We have Munster as well at the end of December and they'll have their Heineken Cup side out against us so they're two big challenges for us. Certainly, at this stage we're looking forward to coming back to the Sportsground and we haven't left yet."
