Motherwell began their Conference League qualifying campaign in style last night, easing past HB Tórshavn 2-0 at Fir Park. The win, secured with goals from two debutants, keeps the Steelmen’s European hopes alive ahead of next week’s daunting away leg on artificial turf.
What happened on the night?
Two first-half strikes from debutants saw Motherwell control the tie from the start. The home side’s new gaffer Alfred Johansson hailed the performance, noting eight players made their debuts with three academy graduates among them. “We managed to get a result in the first leg with all those debuts,” he told reporters. “Looking like a team that wants to fight for each other.”
Johansson also praised his goalkeeper’s game-saving displays, adding: “It’s nice to see we have a really strong keeper who decides the outcome of the first leg with some class saves.” The Faroese visitors, European regulars, will feel they salvaged a decent draw after the two-goal deficit.
Why it matters for Motherwell
With a 2-0 cushion, Motherwell now head to the Faroe Islands next week knowing a draw will see them through. The competition resumes after a short break, with the Steelmen sitting fourth in last season’s Premiership table on 54 points from 33 games - 16 adrift of league leaders Heart of Midlothian.
Their recent form reads WWLLD with a two-game winning run, while they’ve already shipped 29 goals this season and scored 52. Johansson admitted the away leg on astroturf will be tough, but stressed: “We go there with confidence.” He also hinted at imminent business, saying: “I think we’re pretty close to do a thing or two [transfer-wise], but it’s a long window.”
What comes next?
If Motherwell progress, they’ll face either Coleraine or HJK Helsinki in the next round. The Finns, 2025 Finnish Cup winners, boast stronger European pedigree having reached the Conference League proper twice in the past three seasons. They drew twice with Aberdeen in 2023-24 but scraped past NSI Runavik last term before falling to Arda Kardzhali.
Motherwell’s next domestic outing comes on October 24 against Hearts at Fir Park. The league campaign is yet to resume, but the Steelmen sit 16 points behind the Edinburgh side after finishing fourth last time out.
The Steelmen’s European adventure resumes next week in Tórshavn - a tie still very much alive.
