EUROPA LEAGUE: Second Round Qualifying Update

St Johnstone and Hibs had very different results as both SPL sides came up against Scandinavian opposition in the Europa League qualifiers.

Tommy Wright’s first competitive match in charge couldn’t have gone much better, as his St Johnstone side earned a historic one-nil win over seasoned Norwegian qualifiers Rosenborg BK. After a opening 10 minutes of sounding each other out a St Johnstone corner from the left was met by the head of experienced defend Frazer Wright to send the travelling fans into a state of delirium and put the away side 1-0 ahead along with having the priceless away goal. Rosenborg threatened to get the equaliser and only twice was St Johnstone keeper Allan Mannus called into action saving from Daniel Berntsen on both occasions. Saints new boy Nigel Hasselbaink was a threat to the lackluster Rosenborg defence the 64 minutes he was on the field with his directness and quick feet. Into the 2nd half Steven McLean almost doubled his sides lead good inter play by Wotherspoon and Hasselbaink set up McLean for a pop at goal. Rosenborg certainly missed midfielder Mix Diskerud who is currently on international duty at the Gold Cup with The United States, the front 3 of Rosenborg didn’t cover themselves in glory, although the last 10 minutes Rosenborg were on top Wright’s side held on to clinch a fantastic result ahead of next week’s return at McDermaid Park.

The other side of the coin for Scottish Cup finalists Hibernian who will need almost a miracle if they are to qualify for the next round after being well beaten by Swedish league leaders MalmoFF.

Hibs fell behind to the Swedish side losing two goals within the opening twelve minutes – Hibs skipper James McPake was booked for a foul on Rantie and, from the resulting free-kick, Hamad fired over the wall and past Ben Williams, to put Malmo one-up. Within minutes of the opener Malmo added to their lead when Emil Forsberg pulled back for Eriksson to knock the ball past the despairing Williams once again. Both sides hit the woodwork Hibs new-boy Rowan Vine and Rantie for Malmo. Overall Malmo was in total control of the match and deserved the two-goal victory and it may well be able to have been more, Hibs could have no complaints. They have a lot of work to do if Pat Fenlon’s charges European adventure is to go any further than next week.