Motherwell claimed a useful 2-0 victory over HB Torshavn at Fir Park in the first leg of their Conference League second qualifying round tie, but new manager Alfred Johansson stressed the job is not done ahead of next week’s return leg.
Decisive strikes and a cautious assessment
The home side took the lead after 15 minutes when debutant Martin Moormann struck from long range. The visitors were kept at bay until the second half when midfielder Lukas Fadinger added a second, a well-taken effort in the 57th minute. Those two goals now stand between Motherwell and a place in the third qualifying round.
After his first competitive match in charge, Johansson emphasised that the tie will be settled over the full 180-plus minutes rather than at half-time in the first leg. He warned that the Faroese visitors have experience in European qualifying and will be a stern test away from home.
“I think that it’s half-time and I think you win zero games at half-time… it’s going to be very difficult in the Faroe Islands.”
Respect for the opposition
Johansson highlighted HB Torshavn’s recent European pedigree and urged his players to treat the return fixture with care, despite confidence from his squad following a solid performance at Fir Park. The manager said the team had shown some very good moments and would travel to the Faroe Islands with belief, while remaining mindful of the different conditions they will face.
HB boss Lukasz Cieslewicz conceded disappointment at the scoreline but backed his players’ showing and indicated the contest remains open.
“Of course, we are not happy with the result… two great goals for Motherwell decided the game.”
What comes next
- Second leg to be played in the Faroe Islands next week.
- A victory on aggregate would likely set up a third-round tie against HJK Helsinki, who lead Coleraine 5-0 after their first leg.
- Motherwell will aim to defend their lead away from home under what Johansson expects to be very different conditions.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Motherwell v HB Torshavn | 2-0 |
| Goals | Moormann (15'), Fadinger (57') |
The tie remains finely balanced. Motherwell have a useful advantage, but Johansson’s insistence on respect for HB Torshavn underlines that European qualification is seldom secured over a single home performance.
