Sligo Rovers have shocked Scottish Premier League Motherwell at Fir Park, taking dwelling a 1-0 win for the second leg of the Europa Convention League second qualifying spherical tie.
idan Keena netted early within the first-half in what was an outstanding efficiency from the Bit O’Crimson, who will host their Scotottish opponents subsequent Thursday.
Rovers travelled to Motherwell on the again of two consecutive defeats at dwelling having misplaced to UCD within the league on Sunday, and shedding over 90 minutes to Bala City the earlier Thursday within the first spherical of the Europa Convention League qualifiers.
Rovers additionally confirmed earlier on Thursday that goalkeeper Ed McGinty has left to hitch Oxford for a 5 determine sum, with quite a few add ons and a sell-on price believed to be included within the deal.
However, McNicholas has gained huge expertise throughout his season on mortgage with Cliftonville, and performed in Europe for the Bit O’Crimson final 12 months towards FH and so Russell is aware of he has a protected pair of arms.
The Bit O’Crimson have been huge underdogs coming into this tie, and may have hoped that much less strain would assist them in a tough encounter.
Rovers final performed in Fir Park in 2018 after they met Motherwell Colts within the Irn Bru Scottish Problem Cup.
Their opponents, Motherwell, have performed quite a few pre-season friendlies and may have come into this recreation anticipating to win.
John Russell made three modifications to the aspect that misplaced to the College students on Sunday.Â
Adam McDonnell, Karl O’Sullivan and Garry Buckley got here into the group with Nando Pijnaker, Max Mata and Frank Liivak dropping to the bench.
Motherwell named former St Patrick’s Athletic defender Jake Carroll amongst their starters, whereas former Bohemian man Ross Tierney was named on the bench.
Round 500 Bit O’Crimson followers made the journey, which is phenomenal contemplating virtually 500 travelled to Oswestry for the primary spherical tie towards Bala City at Park Corridor a fortnight in the past.
And people followers have been on their ft early on when Will Fitzgerald ship his shot over the bar with simply 30 seconds performed.
Josh Morris hit the aspect netting in Motherwell’s first alternative after he was performed in by Connor Shields.
Rovers had the most effective of the early probabilities regardless of Motherwell dominating possession.
Liam Kelly within the Motherwell targets well saved after Lewis Banks virtually poked dwelling from shut vary after a harmful cross from Garry Buckley.
Luke McNicholas’ punched clearance fell into the trail of Barry Maguire who smashed it first time, driving it vast.
Rovers requested questions early on of the Motherwell defence, with the house followers making their displeasure recognized.
It was a aggressive opening, and the hosts have been virtually within the lead on 22 minutes. Kevin Van Veen squared it for Morris, however underneath strain from McNicholas he could not get his shot away, with the ball finally cleared by the Rovers defence.
The house followers have been left shocked on 27 minutes when Rovers went forward.
Bevis Mugabi’s poor header again to his goalkeeper Liam Kelly was pounced on by the at all times alert Keena, whose wonderful lob beat the out-of-position Kelly to place Rovers forward, silencing the house assist.
Rovers defended nicely as Motherwell fought arduous to attempt to discover a means again into this recreation.
McNicholas was comfy in targets although, holding Maguire’s quite a few efforts with ease.
Shields in some way pulled his shot vast from a few yards out simply earlier than half-time, with Motherwell booed by their followers as they walked off the pitch for half-time.
And the boos continued into the second-half, as the house followers weren’t pleased with what they have been seeing from their aspect.
As Will Fitzgerald’s header flew over the bar, the boos started to ring out – the Motherwell followers not comfortable to see their aspect giving Rovers so many probabilities.
The Steelmen upped their depth later within the second-half, however nonetheless weren’t doing a lot to hassle the Rovers defence.
Actually, it was Rovers who virtually hit the online once more on 77 minute.
Keena picked out the cross for Max Mata, on the sector a couple of seconds, and the New Zealander chased it down, however with solely the keeper to beat he couldn’t discover a option to ship it round Liam Kelly.
Mata’s header was then suspected to have been deflected vast on 84 by a Motherwell arm, however the referee awarded a nook.
The SPL aspect huffed and puffed for the rest of the sport,
Motherwell: Liam Kelly; Paul McGinn, Rickie Lamie, Bevis Mugabi, Jake Carroll; Barry Maguire, Callum Slattery, Blair Spittal (Joe Efford, 74); Kevin Van Veen, Josh Morris, Conor Shields (Ross Tierney, 64).
Sligo Rovers: Luke McNicholas; Lewis Banks, Shane Blaney, Garry Buckley, Paddy Kirk; David Cawley, Niall Morahan, Adam McDonnell (Max Mata, 77); Karl O’Sullivan, Will Fitzgerald; Aidan Keena.
Referee: Kari Hovdanum (Faroe Islands)
