Bohemian and Dundalk were in Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round first leg action on Thursday of this week. Bohemian travelled to Luxembourg where they scored the only goal through U21 international Ross Tierney to defeat Dudelange while Dundalk were held to a two all draw by Levadia Tallinn of Estonia in Tallaght Stadium.
Shamrock Rovers have received a bye to the third round where they will face the winners of the second round tie between Teuta of Albania and Inter Club d’Escaldes from Andorra. The Andorra side secured a two nil first leg victory in Albania on Thursday evening.
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The Airtricity League representatives in Europe played the second legs of their first qualifying round ties this week.
Champions League representatives Shamrock Rovers performed valiantly as they sought to overturn a two goal first leg deficit when the Champions of Slovakia, SK Slovan Bratislava visited Tallaght Stadium this Tuesday evening. The ‘Hoops’ took an early lead through a Graham Burke penalty and an excellent second goal from Richie Towell early in the second half raised hopes but a goal from the visitors, which was hotly contested because of a perceived foul in the build-up, ended their hopes of progression in this competition. The ‘Hoops’ will now enter the Conference League at the third qualifying round stage.
Conference League representatives Dundalk held a commanding four goal advantage as they travelled to face Newtown AFC in Wales on Tuesday evening where they consolidated their position with a one nil victory to progress on a five nil aggregate scoreline. The ‘Lilywhites’ will face Levadia Tallinn of Estonia in the second qualifying round with the first leg set for Oriel Park at 8pm on Thursday the 22nd July with the second leg one week later.
Following their one all first leg draw, Bohemian welcomed Icelandic side St Jarnan to Dalymount Park on Thursday evening where they secured a three nil victory for a four one aggregate success. The ‘Gypsies’ will travel to face Dudelange of Luxembourg in the second round first leg on Thursday the 22nd July with the second leg set for the Aviva Stadium one week later.
Sligo Rovers exited the competition when they went down to a two one home defeat by Icelandic side FH Hafnarfjordur in the Showgrounds this Thursday evening for an aggregate three one deficit.