Craig Brown was pleased with his team's 1-1 draw in Norway on Thursday, despite leading with just 60 seconds left. Pic: ©SNS Group
Craig Brown is refusing to get carried away with his team’s advantage in their Europa League tie with Aalesunds. The SPL side came within a minute of taking a 1-0 win from Norway on Thursday night, only for Alexander Mathisen to net a late penalty after Steven Saunders brought down Demar Phillips in the area.
Motherwell hold a vital away goal to their name going into the second leg next Thursday, thanks to Jamie Murphy’s record-breaking strike two minutes into the second half.
Aalesunds are 18 games into their domestic season and sit fourth in the Norwegian top flight. But Brown feels Motherwell, who were playing only their third meaningful game of the season, performed admirably, although the former Scotland coach won’t allow the positive result to rule his thinking for the second leg.
“We had only played three competitive games this season and that extra game will bring more sharpness to our team,” said Brown. “We played very, very assured football and defended competently.
“They played as we expected, no surprises. They are a good solid side, doing well in their league. I think it's a solid result. We're not getting carried away. It's only half-time so we are not going to get complacent.”
Murphy’s goal to put the Steelmen in front was his sixth in European competition, breaking Stevie Kirk’s record. The 20-year-old was again impressive in the lone striker role and Brown was full of praise for his young charge.
“It was a terrific goal he scored tonight,” said Brown. “He deserves it because he's a conscientious boy. He works hard and you never hear him boasting. He puts a shift in for the team.”
MOTHERWELL'S EUROPA LEAGUE ADVENTURES
A 0-0 draw would do for Motherwell at Fir Park in six days time, a result which would put them through to the play-off stages of the Europa League. There they could up against the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Villarreal, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen, to name but a few.
With such a huge occasion just 90 minutes away, Brown has urged the Motherwell faithful to turn out in droves for the second leg of the Aalesunds game to urge his team on – and also increase his coffers to bring in some flesh blood.
“There is great potential for it to be a great night,” Brown ahead of the second leg. “That would help if we could get a good crowd on Thursday and it might loosen the purse strings.”
