Stephen Robinson hails ‘brilliant’ St Mirren atmosphere during Europa League win

Posted Friday, August 02, 2024 by PA

Stephen Robinson praised St Mirren fans for their backing before and during the historic 4-1 win over Valur which set up a place in the Europa League third qualifying round.

Almost all of the 6,715 fans inside St Mirren Park were cheering on the home side in the first European tie in Paisley in 37 years and an impressive tifo display met the teams coming out of the tunnel before the game.

Following a goalless draw in the first leg of the second-round tie in Reykjavík last week, debutant defender Shaun Rooney scored his first Buddies goal with a trademark header after 15 minutes and the home side doubled their lead in the 51st minute through Toyosi Olusanya.

Skipper Mark O’Hara volleyed in a third after the hour before Tryggvi Hrafn Haraldsson reduced the deficit in the 74th minute from the spot but St Mirren wrapped up the win late on when substitute Alex Iacovitti struck on his debut.

St Mirren will meet Norwegian outfit Brann, who beat Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 on aggregate, in the third qualifier with the first leg in Paisley next week.

Boss Robinson said: “It was fantastic. A great display at the start with a lot of work that people don’t see.

“Great respect for them. The atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant, even when we got a bit tired and they scored the penalty.

“The fans rallied behind us and that’s massive. It shows the club is so together and the fans are enjoying what we’re doing.

“I just said to the boys, the parades and the fanfare around the game was all for the fans. We were there to play with cool minds and cool heads.

“I thought we did that for the vast majority of the game. I thought we should have scored more.

“I believe they only had two shots on target, one was a penalty.

“It shows the level of performance and control, especially given it was our second competitive game and we’ve got seven changes really from the team that started last year.

“Boys are finding their feet and looking for fitness and sharpness. It’s fantastic at this stage.”

Robinson admits his side will have to step up against Brann in the next round.

The Northern Irishman said: “We face a tough task now but if we play with that level of performance and control then there’s no reason why (we can’t win) but we have to do better again to progress.

“We’ve given ourselves the opportunity. We wanted to represent Scottish football in a good manner and I believe we’ve done that.

“I’m delighted for all the players and staff who have put so much effort into it.”