All four Airtricity League representative were in First Qualifying round European action this week.
League champions Shamrock Rovers travelled to Slovakia where they went down to a two nil defeat by SK Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday afternoon in the Champions League. Irish League champions Linfield, who signed former Dundalk captain Chris Shields last week, travelled to Lithuania where they suffered a three one defeat by FK Zalgiris in Vilnius on Tuesday evening. Welsh League champions Connah’s Quay Nomads played out a two all draw with visitors Alashkert of Armenia, also on Wednesday evening.
Bohemian, Dundalk and Sligo Rovers were in First Qualifying Round action in the newly introduced Europa Conference League on Thursday evening. Bohemian and Sligo Rovers both travelled to Iceland where they faced St Jarnan and FH Hafnarfjordur respectively while Dundalk played host to Newtown AFC of Wales.
The ‘Lilywhites’ cruised to a comprehensive four nil victory in Oriel Park while Ireland U21 striker Ross Tierney scored a second half equaliser for Bohemian to earn a one all draw. Following the dismissal of captain Greg Bolger, Sligo Rovers conceded an 85th minute goal to suffer a one nil defeat.
Other Clubs from the Irish and Welsh Leagues were also in Europa Conference League action on Thursday evening.
19.00 Bala Town (Wales) 0-1 Larne (NI)
18.45 Glentoran (NI) 1-1 The New Saints (Wales)
19.30 FK Velez (B&H) 2-1 Coleraine (NI)