By grabar
July 15 2010

A second half goal from Ross Forbes release the pressure at Fir Park as Motherwell finally managed to overcome Briedablik of Iceland in the Europa League.

Motherwell started the game the better side looking much more lively than they had done in the two friendlies at Brachin and Ayr. They pressed their Icelandic opponents back from the start.

Their first real chance came in the 18th minute when a Hammell cross reached John Sutton six yards out but the keeper got a hand to his shot to keep it out. Seconds later Murphy saw a half hit shot saved by the keeper.

Eight minutes later Hateley's cross was deflected to the back post where it found Forbes but the midfielder could only head over.

Then just before the break Sutton sent in another great cross that was missed by both Lasley and Humphrey on the six yard line.

Briedablik started the second half the better side and could have taken the lead in the first five minutes. Kristjansson peeled off at the far post and his cross into the six yard box found no takers.

Then two minutes later they had an even better chance when the ball found Steindorsson on the six yard line but he could only slice his shot off the post with goal gaping.

A couple of Well free kicks caused panic at the other end with Forbes sending one inches wide and Hateley's kick from wide almost finding the top corner if it hadn't been for the last minute intervention of the keeper.

The break through finally in the 63rd minute, a corner was cleared to Hammell who picked out Ross Forbes wide on the right and his left foot shot curled in at the far post.

There was ony one further chance when a cross from Hateley was met by Saunders but his header bounced off the back of a defender and out for a corner.

In the end this is not the worst result ever, no away goal lost and the opposition didn't look up to much, but that could be fatal last words!