For the sixth time within the space of 13 years, Linfield once again made the trip to the Faroe Islands to play a European tie in Torhavn; this time, against fresh opposition in the form of Faroese champions Vikingur, in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Q3 tie as the teams battle it out for a play-off against the loser between Rijeka (Croatia) and Shelbourne (Republic of Ireland).
Linfield’s legendary captain Jamie Mulgrew has been involved in all six ties against Faroese opposition, so whilst playing in Faroe Islands is not unusual to him, this time was most significant as the central midfielder reached the milestone of 800 Linfield appearances. Unfortunately, an injury picked up in the first half meant he was only fit to play until the break, despite his determination.
It was also a significant night for another Linfield stalwart, Kirk Millar, whose 37th European appearance meant he overtook legendary former defender Noel Bailie MBE to reach third place on Linfield’s all-time list of European appearance makers. The winger – who turned 33 on the day – is now only behind Jamie Mulgrew (63) and Matthew Clarke (43).
Whilst Linfield progressed to Q3 with a win over Lithuanian champions Zalgiris Vilnius last week, Vikingur received a bye through Q2 after losing 4-2 on aggregate to the champions of Gibraltar, Lincoln Red Imps in Q1 of the UEFA Champions League. They are currently fourth in their domestic League, 19 points off leaders Klaksvik after 17 matches.
David Healy kept the same team from last week. The bench was also the same, bar the withdrawal of young Jon Graham. The home team made a few changes from their team that defeated 07 Vestur Sorvagur at the weekend.
It was a ropey start to proceedings for Linfield in Torhsavn as the Blues inside the opening three minutes. A quick attack from the direct home team saw the pacey Solvi Vatnhamar released down the right into a dangerous area from where he put in a tantalising cross, awkwardly in between Ben Hall, Chris Johns and Vikingur forward Jakup Johansen. Ben Hall made a move to play the ball, sliding in but he sliced the ball into his own net.
The Blues settled and responded well after a nightmare opening five minutes and drew level with a goal in the ninth minute. Chris Shields advanced up the pitch to the right wing area from where he crossed for Matthew Fitzpatrick who brilliantly dispatched a looping header.
Linfield grew in confidence from the goal and had many opportunities, but failing to capitalise on those chances and the good areas they got into proved costly in the end. Kieran Offord was unfortunate not to score soon after as his fierce 25-yard drive was tipped over by the goalkeeper.
Offord was causing the hosts real problems, and he went close again round the half-hour mark after a driving run down the right channel before getting into the box as his driven shot was parried put by the goalkeeper. The ball rolled across the box, but as was a recurring theme all night, the ball didn’t fall for a blue shirt inside the box.
Kirk Millar and Matthew Fitzpatrick both had low shots squirm just wide of the post, whilst Ethan McGee was giving his opposite number a tough time down the right flank and he was almost rewarded with a goal when he broke into a dangerous area before seeing his goalbound shot blocked at close range.
Other than the opening five minutes, the only time the Linfield goal was threatened in an otherwise dominant first half was well the home team earned a corner which was taken by Vatnhamar and met by defender Ari Olsen, whose looping header was clawed away by Chris Johns.
HT: VIKINGUR 1-1 LINFIELD
Whilst Linfield had looked really dangerous in the first half, the home team made some tweaks at half-time which limited the amount of times the likes of Offord could pick the ball up in pockets of space. The Blues were allowed to move the ball across the pitch, but when it came to it, the hosts defended their box resolutely, and had that little bit of fortune in terms of second balls not falling for blue shirts.
Kyle McClean replaced the injured Jamie Mulgrew at the break, and Matthew Fitzpatrick received a booking in the opening moments of the second half, and Kirk Millar had a dipping effort tipped over the crossbar.
A rare attack from the home team saw them take the lead with what turned out to be the winning goal. Expect for the header at the end of the first half, it was their only shot on target, however the only stat that really matters is the final scoreline, and left-back Ingi Jonhardsson will be the toast of the Faroes tonight as 20-yard low strike into the corner fired the Faroese champions to a historic victory.
David Healy immediately turned to his bench and called on Charlie Allen to replace Ethan McGee at right wing back. Twelve minutes later, Chris McKee replaced Josh Archer in an attack-minded change.
Vikingur brought on fresh legs in the form of striker Jorgen Nielsen and former Sligo Rovers midfielder Stefan Radosavlevic.
The Blues never rediscovered their attacking rhythm of the first half and it turned into a night of frustration. Nonetheless, the tie is still very much alive ahead of the return leg at Windsor Park next week, and the Blues can draw optimism from their strong home European record. However, the immediate focus must be on the Sports Direct Premiership opener against Dungannon Swifts this Sunday (15:00).
FT: VIKINGUR 2-1 LINFIELD
LINFIELD: Chris Johns (GK), Matthew Orr, Ben Hall, Sam Roscoe, Ethan McGee (Charlie Allen 58’), Kirk Millar, Josh Archer (Chris McKee 70’), Chris Shields, Jamie Mulgrew © (Kyle McClean 45’), Kieran Offord, Matthew Fitzpatrick
Subs: David Walsh (GK), Scot Whiteside, Ryan McKay, Sean Brown, Rhys Annett
VIKINGUR: Hans Jakup Arngrimsson (GK), Atli Gregersen ©, Ragnar Skala (Stefan Radosavlevic 69’), Aron Ellingsgaard, Jakup Johansen (Jorgen Nielsen 69’), Solvi Vatnhamar, Ingi Johnhardsson, Arnbjorn Svensson, Ari Olsen, Poul Kallsberg, Arni Noa Atlason
Subs: Bardur a Reynatrod (GK), Martin Klein Joensen (GK), Ingi Arngrimsson, Arnor Brandsson, Martin Joensen, Jonatan Lervig, Pall Eirik Djurhuus, Jakup Martin Jarnskor, Josef Olavsson, Bjorn Bjarkhamar, Rani Hansen
Referee: Luka Bilbija (BIH)