pwshub.com

Robinson's Buddies too hot for Icelandic visitors

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson watched his side mark their return to Europe with four goals - then claimed they should have scored more.

A superb 4-1 win over Icelandic side Valur eased the Paisley side into the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League where they will face Brann.

Robinson purred over a ‘fantastic’ performance in what was the club’s first home European tie in 37 years.

But he admitted they will have to play even better to overcome the Norwegians.

Shaun Rooney set the ball rolling with a debut goal before Toyosi Olusanya, Mark O’Hara and Alex Iacovitti capped a memorable night.

‘I thought we should have scored more,’ said Robinson, who had urged his players to embrace the occasion after last week’s goalless draw in Iceland.

Mark O'Hara, centre, celebrates his wonder goal for St Mirren in Paisley

Skipper O'Hara caught his volley so sweetly to put Saints 3-0 up

Shaun Rooney is congratulated by Alex Gogic after scoring opener on his debut

‘I believe they (Valur) only had two shots on target, one was a penalty.

‘It shows the level of performance and control, especially given it was our second competitive game and we’ve got seven changes, really, from the team that started last year.’

A crowd of 6,715 was one of the highest at St Mirren Park in recent years and Robinson hopes to give the club’s supporters another night to remember when they host Brann in next Thursday’s first leg.

Rooney had put the Paisley side in front with a powerful header

The Buddies were two up at the start of the second half courtesy of Olusanya, right

Olusanyo slots home his goal and it's just about all over for Icelandic side Valur

Alex Iacovitti runs away in delight after scoring the fourth goal for the Paisley side

‘The atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant, even when we got a bit tired and they scored the penalty.

‘The fans rallied behind us and that’s massive. It shows the club is so together and the fans are enjoying what we’re doing.

‘We face a tough task now but, if we play with that level of performance and control, then there’s no reason why can’t progress - although we have to be better again.

‘We’ve given ourselves the opportunity. We wanted to represent Scottish football in a good manner and I believe we’ve done that. I’m delighted for all the players and staff who have put so much effort into it.

Manager Stephen Robinson, right, celebrates with his jubilant players

A bumper crowd at St Mirren Park enjoyed their club's first Euro home game in 37 years

‘There are a lot of people here who have put a lot of work into this football club long before I was here. They’ve seen bad times and good times. And these are the moments you have to savour as a fan - and it’s important that you do that.

‘I believe the fans milked every last moment of it tonight and probably still will be in the bars and homes around Paisley. So we’re delighted for them.’

Robinson, who admitted he knows little about Brann at the moment, singled out O’Hara for praise after the skipper claimed an assist for the opening goal and scored an outstanding volley for the third.

‘I thought Mark O’Hara was outstanding from start to finish,’ said the Northern Irishman. ‘He led with a proper captain’s performance in a position that suits him. It was a 3-5-2, with Mark a little bit more advanced and he caused them problems all night. And I think he got the goal he deserved.’

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Related stories
6 days ago - The term deja vu - first coined by French philosopher Emile Boirac in 1876 - describes the feeling of recalling an event or moment in the present, when logic dictates it isn't possible.
1 month ago - St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson revealed that Brann's 'time-wasting' was the trigger for a late controversy that angered the Norwegians.
1 month ago - What a fortnight it's been in the wonderful world of Scottish football, with the return of league action providing a welcome tonic following a summer of post-Euros discontent.
1 month ago - Rangers boss Philippe Clement insists his players must be more clinical in front of goal if they are to overcome Dynamo Kyiv in their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night.
2 weeks ago - The Red Devils spent more than £200million during the course of a busy summer transfer window but have a number of players facing spells on the sidelines.
Other stories
24 minutes ago - JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE GEWISS STADIUM: Mikel Arteta's side had to call on David Raya to pull off a fine double save from Mateo Retegui as they were forced to defend for large periods.
24 minutes ago - Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was eventually sent off in Thursday's Champions League opener against AS Monaco after the referee got his cards muddled up.  
24 minutes ago - Both players have become undroppable under Mikel Arteta and been credited as a major force behind the Gunners' recent Premier League title challenges.
24 minutes ago - David Raya produced two moments of brilliance to stop Arsenal going behind in their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday night.
24 minutes ago - ISAAN KHAN AT THE GEWISS STADIUM: How David Raya denied Mateo Retegui not once, but twice, only he knows.