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 officials adjudged Lamie to have strayed offside in the lead-up.
Motherwell’s Kevin Van Veen spurned a great chance to halve the deficit on 17 minutes, but the Dutchman could only head Spittal’s free-kick from out wide straight at McNicholas.
As with the first leg, Sligo were fairly comfortable in dealing with the Motherwell press and almost struck on the counter before the break.
Kelly reacted well to keep out a Keena snapshot from close range as Rovers looked to sting their opponents once more.
The Steelmen started the second half on the front foot and substitute Connor Shields went close early on, but was unable to turn Morris's centred ball past the stationary McNicholas.
Sligo's record European appearance holder David Cawley saw his drive blocked down by a last-ditch tackle after a well-worked counter which included both Keena and Will Fitzgerald close to the hour.
McNicholas threw his hat on a Lamie header from a Morris corner on 66 minutes as Motherwell’s frustrations continued, while substitute Joseph Efford snatched at his volley after Shields teed him up with a well-weighted cross.
Lamie wasted another great opportunity when he could only head the ball into the ground from point blank range, having been picked out by another Morris set-piece.
Facing elimination, a ragged Motherwell looking bereft of ideas created only half-chances through Morris and Slattery as the second half wore on.
Mata confirmed passage through to the third round with a well taken finish in injury time after he was played through on goal by Keena.
Sligo will now face Norwegian side Viking in the third round, along with guaranteeing themselves at least €850,000 in prize money.
Sligo Rovers: Luke McNicholas, Lewis Banks, Shane Blaney, Garry Buckley, Paddy Kirk; Niall Morahan (Max Mata 69), David Cawley (Nando Pijnaker 79), Adam McDonnell (Kailin Barlow 79); Will Fitzgerald (Frank Liivak 90), Karl O'Sullivan; Aidan Keena.
Motherwell: Liam Kelly; Paul McGinn, Bevis Mugabi (Sondre Johansen 69), Rickie Lamie, Jake Carroll; Callum Slattery, Blair Spittal (Connor Shields HT), Barry Maguire (Sean Goss 69); Josh Morris, Kevin Van Veen, Ross Tierney (Joseph Efford 69).
Referee: Bojan Pandzic (Sweden)
