Motherwell shocked by Llanelli

Jones on target for Welsh side as Gannon makes losing start

Last updated: 2nd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Motherwell shocked by Llanelli

Gannon: Disappointing start

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Motherwell made a dismal start to their Europa League campaign as they lost 1-0 at home to Llanelli in the first leg of their first qualifying round tie.

The Scottish side were granted a place in the revamped competition due to their standing in the Fair Play league last season.

New manager Jim Gannon had been looking for a winning start to his reign at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium, with Fir Park undergoing repair work and not able to stage the match.

But Stuart Jones capitalised on some poor defending midway through the first half to head home a famous winner for Llanelli.

The Welsh Premier League runners-up remained resolute in the second period and Motherwell struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.

Gannon's men will have to improve considerably in the second leg next week if they are to progress to face Albanian side Flamurtari in the second qualifying round.

TNS did not enjoy the same success as Llanelli as they were beaten 2-1 by Fram in Iceland.

It was also a bad night for the Northern Irish sides as Lisburn were thumped 5-1 at home against Georgian outfit Zestafoni and Linfield lost 4-0 to Randers in Denmark.

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