Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Bohemians earned an impressive draw away to Stjarnan in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.
The home side took the lead through a goal from Emil Atlason in the 27th minute but either side of that, Bohs looked very comfortable in the game and more than a match for their Icelandic opponents.
They went in 1-0 down at the break and one thing that was lacking in the first half was a cutting edge in the final third, with plenty of possession not translating into many gilt-edged opportunities.
Bohs came out in the second half much brighter and moved the ball in purposeful fashion.
They caught their opponents in possession on numerous occasions and it was no surprise that the pressure paid dividends in the 62nd minute when Ireland U21 international Ross Tierney cut his way into the Stjarnan box and shot at goal. The effort took a deflection and evaded the Stjarnan keeper on its way in and Bohs had the goal they deserved.
Bohs closed the game out with confidence and were the better team on the night, and they will be buoyant ahead of the return leg which will take place in front of 6,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday next.
Bohemians in strong position after draw away to Stjarnan
Bohemians will fancy their chances next week of progressing to a Europa Conference League second round clash with Luxembourg side Dudelange.
A repeat of their performance in last night’s 1-1 draw away to Stjarnan - this time in front of 6,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium - should be enough to see the Gypsies progress.
Ross Tierney was credited with their 63rd minute equaliser, cancelling out Emil Atlason’s first-half strike, which came against the run of play.
Bohs looked the stronger side throughout, though their Icelandic opponents defended resolutely on a tricky artificial surface.
The impressive Liam Burt almost opened the scoring after seven minutes when his half-volley from the left of the penalty area was tipped onto the far post by goalkeeper Haraldur Bjornsson.
Read on here:
https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/bohemians-strong-position-after-draw-24494194
Full time! Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
It's all over here and it ends in a draw. This tie is very well set up for the second leg at the Aviva Stadium next week with 6,000 Bohs fans likely to raise the roof and drive their team on!
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Into added time here and Bohs have just had a great opening by Georgie kelly had just slipped into an offside position.
91 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Correction: It was Ireland U21 Ross Tierney with the Bohs goal. Devoy was involved in the build up.
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Oliver Haurits pounces on a scuffed Bohs clearance and turns inside to shoot, but his right footed effort blazes just over the crossbar. That was the home side's first meaningful effort on goal in quite some time.
80 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Bohs still seeing plenty of the ball and knocking it around better than their opponents when they have it at their feet. Devoy is really impressing in the middle of the park and looks to have an extra bit between the teeth since his goal brought Bohs back into this game.
75 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Free kick for Bohs in a great position as they win the ball back up high and Burke gets tripped as he was running through the defence.
72 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Stjarnan have dropped deep indefence after conceding that goal. Bohs look ever more encouraged and are taking more of a grip on the game now.
65 mins gone
GOAL! Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 1
Goal for Bohs as Devoy picks up the ball and cuts into the box before getting a shot off which is deflected and makes its way past the Stjarnan keeper! It is no more than Bohs deserve as they have been very positive in recent minutes.
62 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Bohemians still maintaining the ball well but the penetration in the final third is leaving a lot to be desired.
57 mins gone
Half time: Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Bohs go in 1-0 down at the break after Atlason's opener. The Gypsies have grown into the game a lot more since the goal and will feel as though they can unlock this Stjarnan side in the second half.
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Some good play from Bohs finds Burke out on the left wing. He skips inside with great speed and skill but his shot from the edge of the area is a tame one into the keeper's grateful arms.
42 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Great save from Talbot after Gudmundsson is put found with a looping ball over the top.
39 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Alistair Coote clips a corner out to the edge of the area where Dawson Devoy controls well before curling over the bar.
34 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Burke wins the ball high up the pitch for Bohs and crosses in well from the left wing. Kelly heads over. Better from Bohs.
32 mins gone
Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Bohs again being allowed time on the ball as they bring it out of defence, but the movement in the final third needs to be more purposeful for the away side to develop something in attack.
31 mins gone
GOAL! Stjarnan 1 Bohemians 0
Goal for the home side slightly against the run of play. Emil Atlason with the opener.
27 mins gone
Stjarnan 0 Bohemians 0
This looks like a game Bohs can dictate if they wish to. They are getting decent room to play out from the back and look confident in doing so.
22 mins gone
Stjarnan 0 Bohemians 0
Bohs getting into their stride here and moving the ball around very well.
20 mins gone
Stjarnan 0 Bohemians 0
The limited number of fans in attendance are making plenty of noise in the stands. 15 minutes in and it is evenly matched thus far.
15 mins gone
FH 0 Sligo 0
Luke McNicholas brilliantly leaps and claims a looping cross at the back post, something that gives Sligo a reprieve in the closing stages here.
85 mins gone
Long expects physical test against Stjarnan
Bohemians manager Keith Long says they have done their homework on opponents Stjarnan and expect a physical test in Iceland tonight.
Kelly alluded to the difficulty of gaining information on the opponents, but has seen enough video footage to know tonight's opponents will bring a stern physical test:
“In the absence of being able to get to games, we have had to rely on video and one or two people on the ground who have been able to give us some information.
“The level of opposition is always going to be good in European competition. They are a big physical side, they are experienced.
“They have good technical players throughout and are a threat from set-pieces.
“We will have to perform to our very best, there’s no doubt about that to try to bring the tie alive back to the Aviva Stadium next week.
“It is something we have prepared for. We have had an eye on the opposition since the draw was made."
