Linfield’s European odyssey continues in the UEFA Conference League with a 3rd Qualifying Round tie against Faroese Champions Vikingur Gøta at the national stadium, Tórsvøllur, Torshavn (7pm k.o.).
In the last round Linfield had a European match night to remember at Windsor Park when they defeated Lithuanian Champions FK Zalgiris 2-0 with goals from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Kieran Offord. The Blues have an impressive record against Faroe Island opposition having eliminated IF, B36 Torshavn (twice), NSI Runavik and HB Torshavn previously.
Vikingur were edged out of this season’s UEFA Champions League by Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps (agg 2-4) and currently sit in 4th place after 17 games in the Faroe Islands Premier League. Manager Johan Petur Poulsen has assembled a squad composed entirely of home-grown local players. Since their formation in 2008 they have played in 36 European games that includes, most notably, a run to the 3rd Qualifying Round in the 2014/15 Europa League.
Linfield head to the Faroe Islands looking for a positive result to bring back to next week’s return leg at Windsor Park. David Healy’s men will certainly need to be firing on all cylinders for yet another challenging European tie.
COYB!
By Ken Garrett.
