Linfield 3 - 0 Fuglafjordur (Linfield win 5-0 on agg)

Linfield booked their place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in style with a 3-0 win over Faroese opponents, IF Fuglafjørður.

The victory signalled a significant milestone for the Blues. The Belfast side recorded two wins in both legs of a European tie for the first time in the club’s history.

The game got off to a lively start with both sides testing the opposing goalkeeper’s right from the kick-off. But while the tempo of the encounter looked to be declining as the first half progressed, it was Linfield who broke the deadlock on 40 minutes. 

Making his debut at Windsor Park, James Knowles made a positive first impression as he stepped up to take the free-kick which met the head of Michael Gault, putting Linfield 1-0 up shortly before the break.

The second half also began with plenty of energy as Linfield piled on the pressure with Michael Carvill narrowly placing his chance wide of the post on 46 minutes.

Linfield’s continued pressure saw them double their lead 10 minutes into the second half as Peter Thompson placed the ball to Jamie Mulgrew who coolly slotted home past veteran goalkeeper, Jákup Mikkelsen.

While Linfield looked to have sealed the tie, the Blues were not for settling and continued to attack regardless.  They were rewarded on the hour mark when Philip Lowry converted his strike, making it two goals in two games for the 23 year old and a 3-0 European victory for the Windsor Park club.

Linfield’s 5-0 victory on aggregate and recent habit of breaking European curses will no doubt give them more confidence as they face an extremely tough task in the next round.

The Blues will face Skoda Xanthi of Greece with the first leg due to take place on Thursday 18^th July. The trip will no doubt evoke memories of 1984, the last time Linfield faced Greek opposition, and where they were narrowly beaten 5-4 on aggregate by giants, Panathinaikos.