SORELY MISSED

Buddies waste a host of chances on return to Europe after 37 years

- MARK WALKER

ST MIRREN had to settle for a goalless draw on their return to European football after a 37-year absence as they missed a host of chances in Iceland against 10-man Valur.

Stephen Robinson's men created countless opportunities in Reykjavik but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping meant they couldn't claim the win they deserved.

And they had to thank debut keeper Ellery Balcombe too for making plenty of saves at the other end, including a fantastic late stop from ex-Everton and Spurs star Gylfi Sigurdsson.

St Mirren blew so many chances with Toyosi Olusanya the biggest culprit.

They still haven't scored a goal in Europe since Kenny McDowall netted against Tromso in 1987.

But the Buddies will be confident of finishing the job in the Europa Conference League at their sold-out stadium in Paisley with the prize at stake a game against the winner of the Go Ahead Eagles and Brann tie, with the first leg finishing goalless in the Netherlands.

The home side had sub Aron Johannsson sent off with 10 minutes left for a poor challenge, but Saints had to settle for a draw in the land of the midnight sun.

It was of course St Mirren's first taste of European football since a 2-0 defeat to Mechelen at their old Love Street ground when a win would have put them into the European Cup-Winners Cup quarter-finals.

There was no disgrace in losing because the Belgians went on to win the trophy in 1988.

Saints were only handed an official allocation of 200 but there were at least double that number in the one stand of Valur's compact Hlioarendi ground.