Motherwell could only manage one goal despite dominating play
A strike from Ross Forbes gave Motherwell a narrow first leg victory in their Europa League qualifying tie with Icelandic side Breidablik.
When his corner was knocked back to him on 63 minutes, Forbes sent a curling delivery straight into the net.
John Sutton, Jamie Murphy and Ross Forbes all passed up chances in a first half dominated by the home side.
The visitors spurned two close-range chances early in the second half and Motherwell held on despite tiring.
Craig Brown's began their season against a side sitting top of the Icelandic league following 11 matches.
The part-timers stroked the ball around confidently in the early stages and Alfred Finnbogason had the first shot on target but Darren Randolph comfortably saved and Motherwell created two good chances before the 20-minute mark.
The first came when Keith Lasley flicked Stevie Hammell's cross into the path of Sutton but Elfar Helgason scrambled the ball away.
Murphy, playing as the spearhead in a 4-1-4-1 formation, then saw his flick from a Forbes cross held by Ingvar Por Kale before the visiting keeper watched the striker's 25-yard effort rise over.
Finnbogason unlocked the Motherwell defence with a clever first-time pass but Jamie Hammell forced Gudmundur Petursson to slice wide from 14 yards.
Tom Hateley later beat two men before his deflected cross was headed over by Forbes from 10 yards.
Dangerous crosses from Chris Humphrey and Hateley just evaded a claret and amber shirt as Motherwell continued to improve and Murphy got in behind the Icelandic defence only to see Kale block his low shot from a tight angle.
And Kale scrambled clear Sutton's cross in the final seconds of the first half, with Lasley and Chris Humphrey in close attendance.
Motherwell made a sloppy start to the second half as the visitors squandered two glorious chances inside three minutes.
Forbes gave away a free-kick 35 yards out and the home defence allowed Gudmundur Kristjansson to spin undetected at the far post before his cushioned volley across the face of goal drifted just beyond two team-mates.
The unmarked Steindorsson then sliced a volley wide from six yards after Kari Arsaelsson's free header.
Buoyed by those let-offs, Forbes placed a 30-yard free-kick wide before Kale flapped the ball behind after being caught out by Hateley's swerving set-piece.
Debutant Gary Smith replaced Humphrey with the 18-year-old playing up front alongside Sutton and Murphy moving wide in a switch to 4-4-2.
The breakthrough soon came after Hammell returned the ball to Forbes following the midfielder's half-cleared right wing corner.
The 21-year-old immediately shaped inside before his curling effort just evaded Smith but nestled inside the far post.
Brown's side sat deeper in the closing 15 minutes as a lack of match sharpness showed but substitute Steven Saunders nearly added a late second goal when his header was deflected wide following Hateley's corner.
Live text and stats
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Europa Lge qualifying
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Time
Motherwell
1-0
Breidablik
FT
(HT 0-0)
Forbes 63
Motherwell
01 Randolph
03 Hammell
04 Reynolds
05 Craigan
06 Hateley
07 Humphrey (Smith 59)
08 Jennings
14 Lasley
09 Murphy
11 Sutton
18 Forbes (Saunders 72)
Substitutes
12 Hollis,
02 Saunders,
19 Hutchinson,
20 Page,
21 Angelis Charalambous,
27 Meechan,
33 Smith
Breidablik
01 Kale
05 Helgason
17 Elisabetarson
19 Jonsson
22 Adalsteinsson
03 Margeirsson
06 Arsaelsson
07 Steindorsson (Sigurgeirsson 73)
16 Krisjansson
10 Finnbogason
24 Petursson
Substitutes
25 Sigurdarson,
02 Gunnarsson,
09 Baldvinsson,
11 Sigurgeirsson,
15 Sigurjonsson,
26 Sigurdsson,
30 Yeoman
Ref: LiesveldAtt: 5,990
MOTHERWELL
BREIDABLIK
Possession
Motherwell57%
Breidablik43%
Attempts on target
Motherwell5
Breidablik3
Attempts off target
Motherwell6
Breidablik3
Corners
Motherwell7
Breidablik2
Fouls
Motherwell11
Breidablik15
Final Result
Full Time
90:00+2:08 The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
90:00+1:32 Cross by Steven Saunders (Motherwell), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
90:00+1:28 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
90:00+0:56 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
89:21 Foul by Gary Smith (Motherwell) on Elfar Freyr Helgason (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from own half, resulting in open play.
88:40 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) to far post, resulting in open play.
88:04 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) to far post, header by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), blocked by Finnur Orri Margeirsson (Breidablik).
87:33 Foul by Olgeir Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) on Steve Jennings (Motherwell). Free kick crossed right-footed by John Sutton (Motherwell) from left channel, clearance by Elfar Freyr Helgason (Breidablik).
86:36 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
86:12 Cross by Steven Saunders (Motherwell), header by John Sutton (Motherwell) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
85:38 Foul by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) on Keith Lasley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from left channel, passed.
84:35 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
84:27 Cross by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik), resulting in ball out of play.
83:21 Foul by Olgeir Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) on Gary Smith (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.
82:36 Foul by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) on Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik) from right wing, resulting in open play.
81:50 John Sutton (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kari Arsaelsson (Breidablik) from own half, passed.
80:22 Foul by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) on Keith Lasley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) from right channel, passed.
78:48 Defending throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
77:39 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
77:35 Cross by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
76:22 Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik). Free kick curled left-footed by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik) from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
74:47 Foul by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mark Reynolds (Motherwell) from own half, passed.
74:24 Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kari Arsaelsson (Breidablik) from own half, resulting in open play.
74:01 Defending throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
73:51 Cross by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik), resulting in open play.
73:13 Gary Smith (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik) from own half, resulting in open play.
73:02 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
71:53 Substitution Motherwell substitution: Ross Forbes replaced by Steven Saunders (tactical).
71:09 Foul by Finnur Orri Margeirsson (Breidablik) on John Sutton (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.
70:58 Defending throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
69:56 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
69:39 Shot by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar.
68:45 Foul by Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik) on Gary Smith (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) from right channel, passed.
68:04 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
67:58 Attacking throw-in by Ross Forbes (Motherwell).
66:46 Defending throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
66:16 Foul by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.
65:37 Defending throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
64:55 Attacking throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
64:48 Attacking throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
62:34 Defending throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).Corner from left by-line taken short left-footed by Ross Forbes (Motherwell).
62:34 GOAL - Ross Forbes:Motherwell 1 - 0 Breidablik Goal by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) curled left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right wing (30 yards).Motherwell 1-0 Breidablik.
61:38 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) to centre, clearance by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik).
61:29 Cross by Ross Forbes (Motherwell), clearance by Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik).
60:56 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) to near post, clearance by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik).
59:47 Attacking throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
59:07 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
58:28 Substitution Motherwell substitution: Chris Humphrey replaced by Gary Smith (tactical).
57:58 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
57:45 Cross by Ross Forbes (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
57:24 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) to near post, clearance by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik).
56:45 Foul by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik) on Ross Forbes (Motherwell). Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) from left wing, save (parried) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
56:05 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
54:46 Foul by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) on Mark Reynolds (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from own half, passed.
54:12 Defending throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
53:24 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
52:15 Foul by Elfar Freyr Helgason (Breidablik) on John Sutton (Motherwell). Free kick taken left-footed by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) from left channel (25 yards), missed right.
51:59 Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.
51:10 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) to near post, clearance by Steve Jennings (Motherwell).
50:34 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
49:25 Cross by Kristinn Steindorsson (Breidablik), clearance by Mark Reynolds (Motherwell).
49:05 Defending throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
48:45 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
48:08 Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from right channel, resulting in open play.
48:03 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
47:24 Cross by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik), shot by Kristinn Steindorsson (Breidablik) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), hit post.
46:53 Foul by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from left channel, resulting in open play.
46:25 Defending throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
46:05 Cross by Kristinn Steindorsson (Breidablik), resulting in open play.
45:34 Foul by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) on Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik) from right channel, resulting in open play.
45:01 The second half begins.
Half Time
45:00+0:16 The ref blows to end the first period.
44:44 Cross by John Sutton (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
44:29 Attacking throw-in by John Sutton (Motherwell).
44:12 Defending throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
43:46 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
43:22 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
43:11 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
43:03 Defending throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
42:47 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
42:21 Shot by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) drilled right-footed from right channel (30 yards), over the bar.
41:55 Shot by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
40:26 Foul by Kristinn Steindorsson (Breidablik) on Tom Hateley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.
39:54 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
39:26 Cross by Tom Hateley (Motherwell), resulting in open play.
38:56 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
38:10 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
38:03 Cross by Ross Forbes (Motherwell), clearance by Finnur Orri Margeirsson (Breidablik).
36:55 Cross by Kristinn Steindorsson (Breidablik), save (caught) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
36:28 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
35:52 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
35:22 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
35:16 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), clearance by Kari Arsaelsson (Breidablik).
33:41 Foul by Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik) on Keith Lasley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from right channel, passed.
33:12 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
32:31 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
32:24 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
31:05 Goal kick taken short by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
30:44 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
30:37 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), clearance by Elfar Freyr Helgason (Breidablik).
29:03 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
28:19 Attacking throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
27:29 Cross by Ross Forbes (Motherwell), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
26:51 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
26:28 Foul by Mark Reynolds (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from left channel, resulting in open play.
26:24 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
25:48 Cross by Tom Hateley (Motherwell), header by Ross Forbes (Motherwell) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
25:33 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), clearance by Finnur Orri Margeirsson (Breidablik).
24:25 Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kari Arsaelsson (Breidablik) from own half, passed.
23:51 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
23:24 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
23:04 Shot by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
22:36 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
22:14 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
21:54 Shot by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar.
21:23 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), resulting in open play.
20:47 Defending throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
20:39 Cross by Steve Jennings (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
19:54 Attacking throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
19:34 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
19:31 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
18:45 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) to far post, header by Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik) from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
18:30 Shot by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) right-footed from left side of penalty area (20 yards), blocked by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
Correction - 17:54 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), shot by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
17:54 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), shot by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
Correction - 17:27 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), shot by John Sutton (Motherwell) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
17:27 Cross by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), shot by John Sutton (Motherwell) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
17:19 Cross by John Sutton (Motherwell), clearance by Kari Arsaelsson (Breidablik).
17:03 Defending throw-in by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
16:38 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
16:21 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), save (punched) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
15:59 Attacking throw-in by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
15:20 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) to far post, clearance by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
14:35 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
13:38 Foul by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from left wing, resulting in open play.
13:14 Handball by John Sutton (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik) from own half, passed.
12:14 Cross by Tom Hateley (Motherwell), clearance by Arnor Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).
11:41 Shot by Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
11:14 Foul by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from left channel, resulting in open play.
10:46 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
10:40 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
9:42 Attacking throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
9:18 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), save (caught) by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
8:05 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
7:56 Cross by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell), resulting in ball out of play.
7:39 Attacking throw-in by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).
7:08 Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).
6:36 Attacking throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
5:59 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
5:40 Foul by Alfred Finnbogason (Breidablik) on Jamie Murphy (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) from left wing, passed.
5:14 Attacking throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
4:47 Goal kick taken long by Ingvar Thor Kale (Breidablik).
4:16 Defending throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
3:35 Cross by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell), resulting in open play.
3:04 Foul by Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Keith Lasley (Motherwell) from right channel, passed.
2:07 Defending throw-in by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell).
1:35 Foul by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Petursson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jokull Elisabetarson (Breidablik) from left channel, resulting in open play.
0:20 Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on Gudmundur Krisjansson (Breidablik). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik) from own half, resulting in open play.
0:08 Defending throw-in by Kristinn Jonsson (Breidablik).
0:00 The game kicks-off.
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