Yir Elder

I think out of all the ties we could've had, this is the most winnable. That's not to say its easy, far from it, but it could've been a lot tougher for us.

So far he seems exactly what we need, a big dominating figure who will command his area and boss the defence in front of him. It is however a tribute to our back four that he hasn't had too many shots to stop as yet. I feel confident that he will prove an excellent signing over the course of the season.

To be fair the Well support was noisy and supportive early on, but got quieter as tension set in. The Aalesund support was fantastic, a credit to their club and country. Shook hands with a few of them after the game and I sincerely hope they have a successful season.

A number of excellent performers tonight, especially Randolph and reynolds, but my MOTM is Mr Motherwell himself, Stevie Craigan. He was a true captain tonight and was a collossus in defence.

A terrific victory on the night, and now a possible glamour tie and huge pay-day awaits for us in the draw tomorrow. Superb start and two great goals, then a wonderfully organised defensive display until the third goal right at the end. Once again Craigy has masterminded a very professional team performance from the lads. They did put us under pressure in the second half, mainly through high balls it has to be said. Mind you they aren't a bad side, which makes our 3-0 win all the better. Very impressed with the defence tonight, with Crags and big Randy outstanding. Bring on the draw tomorrow, canny wait!!

We won 3-0. Here is a wee report from the Thistle site. http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2010-2011/augus...e_door_friendly

I am anticipating a very tense 90 minutes on Thursday, with the tie being decided by the odd goal. Knowing us we'll be hanging on near the end, defending corners etc and giving us all heart attacks!! I'd love us to make a fast start and bang in a goal or two to put pressure on Aalesunds to attack us, leaving themselves exposed to the counter. However, as we don't need to score I'm expecting a cautious possession game from us. They don't need to be gung-ho either, so it could be a bit cat-and-mouse for the first hour. Team-wise I'd start Humphrey ahead of Forbes to give us extra pace going forward. I hope we win, I think we'll win. We NEED to win from a financial point of view, as progression will earn us cash to make signings. Not only that, but a potential glamour draw awaits, so we simply MUST NOT screw this up. 1-0 Motherwell on the night, Sutton with the goal. Sighs of relief all round!!

Hope you're right buddy!!

Any idea what the team is?

As soon as Jamie plays in goals and saves a 'nalty, THEN he'll be as good and as legendary as Kirkie!!! Seriously, his goals to games ratio in Europe is fantastic, and its no mean achievement to be our leading European scorer. Well done Jamie!

Ha ha ha excellent point!

Would've taken the away goal and a draw beforehand, but to concede right at the end is still a sair yin. Here's hoping it proves immaterial and we can win the tie outright next week. Also hoping that Sutton and Forbes are okay, as both were subbed at half time presumably due to injury.

Well it keeps the tie alive for the return leg next Thursday. To be honest it was still alive at 0-1 as an away goal changes everything. I'd have been delighted with 1-1 before the game, but at 1-0 up after 91 minutes I'm not quite so happy!! Nevertheless we are in the box seat to go through, so here's hoping!!

Tut tut!!! See you at THE PUB later!

None of us really know how good/bad/indifferent this team is, but what we do know is that Craig Brown was an expert in getting good results away from home as Scotland coach. I expert similar tactics to those employed in Iceland, but that the team will be sharper and fitter than those two games and will click a bit more going forward. Its all about getting through, and if we can do that by defending well and counter attacking then so be it. At this stage we don't really have the players to approach it any other way.

At this stage of the Europa League its all about progressing, rather than playing with any degree of style. Given its effectively our pre-season too its understandable that we aer adopting a more conservative approach to these games. I expect a similar line-up and tactical approach in Norway to those we had in Iceland, and if we can defend a bit better I'd hope we could return with at least a draw from the tie.

No-one was particularly outstanding, so my vote goes to the much-maligned Ross Forbes, who for me put in a very mature and selfless performance, and came close to a great goal.

Meanwhile, back at the fitba......... Very professional display by our lads tonight, and despite a couple of hairy moments in defence we were very comfortable throughout. I still don't know if Randy is a good 'keeper yet, such was the quality of defence in front of him! I have to commend Ross Forbes tonight, who was composed on the ball and did a great defensve shift too. So close to a goal too. It was an all-round team performance from 1 to 11 and tactically we're in fine shape for the next round. Well done to THE PUB too, excellent coverage and a packed house full of thirsty Well fans meant a good night for all. Hoping for the same next week too.

Thanks Bliki, we produced a very professional performance tonight and probably did deserve to go through, but it was far from easy. I wish Breidablik all the best for the rest of the season, hope you win the league!

THE PUB is showing the match tonight, assuming the link works!

Says it on SkyText fixtures page, and the BBC Sport Scotland preview of the game. I contacted a friend at the club who confirmed it was an 8.15pm UK time kick off. If they are wrong I'd be surprised! Anyone going to the pub for 7.15 will have time for extra pints!!

It will only cost you the price of your drinks if you go to....ahem, THE PUB tomorrow night!! By the way, it is an 8.15pm kick off UK time tomorrow, had that confirmed cos I can't have been the only one a bit unsure!

Top six again would be great, and it is achieveable for us. A good run in both cups is overdue, and getting through to the last qualifying round of the Europa League and pulling a plum tie would be sweet too. That is my hopes for the season, expectations would be avoiding a relegation scrap and doing well enough in the cups to make a wee bit of extra dosh.

Coventry should be a good move for Jutkiewitz, a decent stage for him to make an impact. Good luck to him. Regarding us, as I understand it we can sign a striker just now. However, if we get through to the next round of the Europa League we could have enough to make another signing. Obviously as soon as we sell Reynolds (and off-load Fraser) we could make another signing or two. If we are waiting on the result tomorrow going our way, then ideally we will sign a striker and A.N. Other on Friday and have them available for the next round. We probably need to do this anyway, as we'll be majorly snookered with one or two injuries as things stand. So we'd better get through tomorrow!!

We couldn't draw Shellic, as teams from the same association are kept apart at this stage of the tourney. So, IF we get there I'd love us to draw Liverpool or Juventus, really like us to draw Manchester City or Aston Villa, and like us to draw Paris Saint Germain or Club Brugge. Need to get there first though, and knowing Motherwell it won't be easy!!