23/08/2001

Irish clubs face UEFA Cup test

UEFA Cup hopefuls Glentoran and Glenavon enter tonight’s second leg of their European qualifying ties with every chance of progressing through to the first round proper.

Irish Cup winners Glentoran entertain Danish club FC Midtjylland in Belfast after a 1-1 aggregate score from the first leg game. The Glens now only need a scoreless draw to secure first round passage and become the first Northern Ireland team to progress in European competition for six years.

Glenavon meanwhile need a win against Kilmarnock in Scotland if they are to reach the first round proper after being defeated 1-0 at Mournview Park, Lurgan two weeks ago.

Glenavon boss Colm Malone knows his side face an uphill struggle to get back into the tie, but hasn’t given up hope. Although the Scots grabbed a late winner in the opening tie against the Irish league part-timers, manager Bobby Williamson says his side will be taking nothing for granted. (MB)

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