Sligo Rovers made history at the Showgrounds as they defied the odds to knock Scottish Premier League side Motherwell out of the Europa Conference League.
Leading 1-0 from the the opening leg, a stunning first half free-kick from Shane Blaney doubled Sligo's advantage before Max Mata netted in injury time at the end of the game to secure a famous win for both the club and the League of Ireland.
Looking to become the first ever Rovers boss to guide the club through two rounds in Europe, manager John Russell kept faith with the side which shocked their opponents in the opening leg at Fir Park, while under pressure Well boss Graham Alexander called on former Bohemians man Ross Tierney, with the winger replacing Conor Shields in the starting XI.
In sunny Sligo, a sold-out Showgrounds did not have to wait long for the game’s first goal as Rovers had a dream start.
Motherwell centre-half Bevis Mugabi was the focus of much criticism last week when he was at fault for the only goal of the game. Things didn’t look good for the Uganda international early on in Sligo when he fouled Aidan Keena 30 yards from the target.
Without a wall in front of him, Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly could only watch on as Blaney’s superbly struck set-piece from a central position twisted and turned in the air, sailing beyond the visitor's sprawling captain and into the top corner.
Now needing three goals to progress, Motherwell spent the remainder of the half doing most of the pressing.
Callum Slattery blazed an effort over the Sligo crossbar on 10 minutes, while Motherwell had a goal disallowed in the 13th minute.
Ricki Lamie bundled Blair Spittal’s cross beyond Luke McNicholas, but the cheers of the travelling support were quelled when the Norwegian
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