Sligo Rovers bowed out of Europe on a constructive be aware, restoring delight because the Bit O’Crimson beat Viking 1-0 at The Showgrounds within the second leg of their Europa Convention League third qualifying spherical tie.
he Norwegian facet gained the primary leg 5-1 in Stavanger in Norway final week to just about seal their place within the play-off spherical.
An personal objective simply earlier than half-time gave Rovers the lead, whereas it may have been extra because the hosts missed a penalty within the second-half.
However, it was job performed actually as Rovers boss John Russell had requested his gamers to carry out at residence to reward followers for his or her help, they usually did simply that with a fantastic efficiency that noticed them decide up their fourth European win of the yr.
Even with the rating 5-1 in Viking’s favour earlier than the house leg, the Rovers followers packed The Showgrounds to indicate their appreciation for the Rovers facet that created historical past this yr.
John Russell’s facet has given followers well-known days out, and even elevated the membership’s profile alongside the way in which.
Russell has needed to cope with quite a lot of accidents in latest weeks, and needed to make 4 adjustments to the facet that beat Bohemian on Sunday.
Star striker Aidan Keena missed out by damage, whereas David Cawley and Niall Morahan have been solely match sufficient for the bench.
Karl O’Sullivan was additionally named on the bench, whereas Max Mata, Robbie Burton, Adam McDonnell and Lewis Banks got here into the crew.
It was a really open begin to the sport, with the Bit O’Crimson wanting almost certainly to attain, though the guests have been holding onto possession nicely and for longer durations.
Luke McNicholas was not often troubled in objectives, whereas Patrik Gunnarson was saved on his toes by the Rovers assault.
Greg Bolger’s nook after eight minutes was nearly cleared off the road, earlier than Paddy Kirk and Mata linked up nicely with a significant interception placing an finish to that transfer.
Mata bought on the tip of Kirk’s cross, nodding straight into the arms of Gunnarsson who made a cushty save.
Mata, who scored twice towards Bohs final Sunday, nodded large from Liivak’s cross, earlier than Rovers felt they need to have been awarded a penalty when Mata was taken down, however the Serbian referee waved play on.
Simply earlier than half-time, Rovers went forward.
A cross from Will Fitzgerald wasn’t handled by Viking, and it deflected off Sondre Flem Bjorshol to loop over Gunnarsson.
Rovers have been by far the extra spectacular crew within the first-half and deserved to go in forward on the break.
Russell knew although that he must be considerably cautious, though Viking may calm down figuring out that Rovers must rating one other three to no less than power extra-tme.
Bolger fired a shot large after the re-start, with Kailin Barlow’s volley simply flashing large of the objectives.
A golden alternative to increase the scoreline arrived on 74 minutes when Liivak was taken down and a penalty was awarded this time.
The Estonian worldwide himself stepped as much as take the penalty, however the goalkeeper learn it nicely and went the fitting option to make the save.
Russell’s facet have been piling the strain on in direction of the tip, and once more Viking loved the majority of possession however have been actually not troubling the Rovers rearguard an excessive amount of.
Ultimately, Rovers held out to win the sport, however misplaced the tie 5-2 on combination.
It was a constructive finish to what’s been a historical past breaking European marketing campaign for the Bit O’Crimson, and one which followers will always remember.
Viking will now transfer onto the play-off spherical the place they may meet FCSB of Romania.
For Rovers, the main focus switches shortly to league motion, with St Patrick’s Athletic up subsequent on Sunday in Inchicore.
Sligo Rovers: Luke McNicholas, Lewis Banks, Nando Pijnaker, Shane Blaney, Paddy Kirk, Adam McDonnell (Kailin Barlow, 61), Greg Bolger (Niall Morahan, 55), Robbie Burton, Frank Liivak, Max Mata (Cillian Heaney, 75), Will Fitzgerald (Karl O’Sullivan, 75).
Viking: Patrik Gunnarsson; Sondre Bjorshol, David Brekalo (Kris Lokberg 78), Viljar Vevante, Shayne Pattynama; Samuel Fridjonsson, Markus Solbakken, Harald Tangen (Fredrik Torsteinbo 83); Kevin Kabran (Niklas Sandberg 61), Zlatko Tripic (Edwin Austbo 78), Mai Traore (Daniel Karlsbakk HT).
Referee: Novak Simovic (Serbia).
