St Mirren celebrated European football in Paisley for the first time in 37 years, beating Varroons convincingly 4-1 to secure a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
Stephen Robinson’s side showed their mettle at home after a goalless draw in the second-round first leg in Reykjavik last week.
St Mirren’s first European appearance since participating in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1987, with a capacity of nearly 8,000 spectators, provided an inspiring atmosphere.
Rookie defender Shaun Rooney scored with a trademark header in the 15th minute and attacker Tayosi Olusanya doubled the lead in the 51st minute.
Captain Mark O’Hara scored a brilliant third goal in the 65th minute before Tryggvi Hrafn Haraldsson narrowed the gap with a penalty in the 74th minute gap, but substitute Alex Iacovetti scored his fourth goal on his debut with three minutes remaining.
Saints will face Norwegian side Blaine in the first leg of their third qualifying match in Paisley next week, who beat the Go Forward Eagles 2-1 on aggregate.
Kilmarnock’s Europa League hopes dashed
Club Brugge’s Tebow Summers celebrates his goal against Kilmarnock
Defensive disarray scuppered Kilmarnock’s Europa League hopes as they lost 1-0 to Cercle Brugge in Belgium.
Liam Donnelly and Lewis Mayo both attacked the same cross and the ball fell to the feet of Cercle captain Thibo Somers 10 yards midway through the first half Field goal.
Donnelly looked ready to deal with Abdel Ouattara’s cross until Mayo came from behind to attempt a header amid a communications breakdown.
Cercle Brugge player Thibo Somers scores a goal to make it 1-0
Killie’s performance improved after Robby McCrorie saved a 52nd-minute penalty from Kevin Denkey, last season’s top scorer in Belgium’s top flight.
The rescue electrified Killie and their 2,500 fans, but the visitors failed to capitalize on several chances and eventually lost 2-1 on aggregate, relegating themselves to the Division One and facing Tello in the third qualifying round. Musser.
The first leg will be played at Rugby Park next week.
