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The club has written to Cardiff City FC requesting an immediate settling of a substantial debt following the transfer of Paul Quinn.

This debt has been due since January 2010.

Commenting , Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “The Board have been very patient with Cardiff given the financial pressures they have faced and the need for clubs to work together to ensure we can all navigate an extremely testing financial environment for the game.

“However the interests of our shareholders, employees and fans are being jeopardised by the failure of Cardiff to pay the debt that they have outstanding.

“We have made clear to the board of Cardiff that we are left with no option but to pursue every possible avenue of recourse to secure our own club’s interests.

“We hope that this matter can be resolved in an orderly manner.”

Youngsters Steven Lawless and Jordan Halsman have joined Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic on loan.

Left-back Halsman will spend six-months with the Galabank club whilst striker Lawless has agreed a 31-day emergency deal.

Both players signed two-year professional contracts in the summer having starred for the U19 team last season.

Commenting, Motherwell boss Craig Brown said, “This will give both fantastic experience and you can see with Ross Forbes what benefit competitive first-team football can do, particularly for a younger player.

“We hope both will return and have a big impact on our first-team at some point in the future.”

The Motherwell squad trained at the Kopavogsvollur stadium in Iceland this evening ahead of the Europa League tie with Breidablik. As always, our friends at SNS were there to capture all the action.

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Tom Hateley has set his sights on an extended Europa League campaign with Motherwell this season.

If the Steelmen can overcome Breidablik in Iceland they will face Norweigan Cup holders Aaelsund FK in the next round.

It would be another tough test but Hateley insists such European encounters are what every player lives for.

“We believe we can go out there and win the game,” he said. “It’s not a case of shutting up shop. We believe we can go to Iceland and get one, two or three goals.

“I signed just after the Steaua Bucharest tie last season and missed the campaign, so I’m enjoying every moment this year.”

“Everyone wants to play European football and we would love the opportunity to play such a big club from Norway but beating the Icelanders is all we’re focused on for now.

“Something you don’t get often is the chance to play in Europe and you want to play the best – the tough draw that allows you to test yourself and do yourself justice.”

Hateley concedes that the Steelmen were not at their best in the first leg against Breidablik, especially in front of goal, as they only garnered a one goal lead despite dominating much of the game.

Far from being discouraged by the missed chances, the midfielder believes ‘Well can take heart from the performance against a side well into their domestic season.

“We aren’t disappointed with how last week turned out. It could have been three or four considering the chances we had but it’s not as if the match finished 1-1 or 2-2.

“We would have liked to take a bigger advantage abroad as we expect it to be a tough game. But we said in the first game the most important thing was to keep a clean sheet – which we did, and we believe that we will go over there and score.

“It’s a different challenge to play a team which is far into its domestic season. Usually everyone is at the same level of fitness but when you a play a team which has started earlier they seem so sharp and can read the game better than us.

“It’s something we just have to get on with, and certainly not anything we would ever complain about – because we are getting to play European football.”

Craig Brown is confident his side can complete the job against Breidablik in the second-leg of the Europa League tie.

Motherwell take a 1-0 lead to Iceland on Thursday night with a place in the Third Qualifying Round at stake.

And having dominated much of the first-leg at Fir Park, Brown is hopeful the Steelmen can progress.

“I am very confident about scoring over there,” he said. “We are not going there to go backs-to-the-wall and hold out for 90 minutes. We are going up there to play them properly and hopefully we can do that.

“We did an efficient – not brilliant – job in the first game, and I’d like to think we are capable of a similarly efficient victory away from home.

“If we manage to score in Iceland – which I expect, and hope, we can do – it will take three goals to beat us, and I’d like to think we are not going to concede three goals. We are in good shape mentally and we’ll all do our best.”

Brown refused to panic after watching his side pass up some greats chances to put the tie to bed at Fir Park and thinks that another week of training allied with a competitive fixture has given his side the sharpness they need.

“It would have been wonderful if we had converted our chances in the first game,” the boss conceded, “but they had a couple of good chances too and we have a lot of respect for our opposition.

“There was a calm assurance about us in the first-leg and we were satisfied, particularly because there were no goals against us. 1-0 is a much better result than 2-1 or 3-2.

“Our match last week was our first competitive match of the season, and the players have benefited from a hard-fought match. The lads will feel that themselves – they were saying that they now feel really ready for taking on a good challenge.

“I anticipate an offensive game from our opponents. They will come out and try to create chances and we hope to minimise those chances to as few as possible.

“They will throw people forward, although we expect them to play with one of front we can expect very quick support to the striker Finnbogason and the full-backs.

“Our players all have experience in big matches and big crowds at home but it is a different challenge up there – a little more eerie if you like, with the running track and the vast expanses behind each goal. It’s not the environment they are used to and my only worry is that they take a minute or two to settle.”

If ‘Well can negotiate this trip to Iceland they will come up against Norweigan side Aalesund FK in the Third Qualifying Round.

It would be another good chance to progress in the competition and Brown is well aware of the benefits of getting through.

“European football can be a carrot to some players. Certainly if we can get through this round it might give us a little added income to pay a new player – not necessarily to buy him but to pay a wage.

“To do well in Europe could mean enough added funds top get some new players in and that’s a massive incentive. The players, staff, and fans would love to see us do well for the prestige but also for some new signings.”

Should Motherwell overcome Breidablik in the Second Qualifying Round of the Europa League they will face Aalesunds FK of Norway.

Craig Brown’s side take a 1-0 lead going into the second-leg next week and have a good chance of making it through to the next round.

Aalesunds lie in wait following today’s draw in Nyon and they are sure to provide another tough test.

The Norwegians qualified for the tournament as domestic cup winners and they are currently fourth in the Tippeligaen after 16 games.

The first-leg of the third qualifying round is due to take place on Thursday 29th July, with the return leg a week later on 5th August.

If Motherwell do complete the job against Breidablik they will be away from home first. Aalesunds play at the Color Line Stadion (capacity 10,788) which is one of the few in Norway to have an artificial pitch.

Motherwell boss Craig Brown was happy with the 1-0 victory over Breidablik in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round First Leg.

A Ross Forbes goal just after the hour mark secured a tight victory for the Steelmen and Brown is confident that his side can finish the job in Iceland.

“I’d like to think I’m used to taking teams to Europe and getting results, and I hope that the emphasis I put on not conceding serves us well.” he said.

“I’m happy we didn’t concede. That is the most important thing in Europe and I now expect them to attack at home, and perhaps commit their fullbacks further forward. That will suit us fine with the pace of Chris Humphrey and Jamie Murphy to exploit their offensive play.

“We have been to difficult places. These lads have been to Glasgow to play the Old Firm and they have gone to Edinburgh for tough games there. These are places where you have to pull out all the stops, so we are used to difficult encounters.”

A significantly larger margin of victory would not have flattered the hosts and ‘Well will perhaps look back on a string of missed opportunities and half-chances ahead of the trip to Iceland.

Brown believes that the profligacy of his side had more to do with a lack of match sharpness, rather than any fault of his forwards.

“We missed a number of chances in the first half,” the manager admitted after the game. “But then again their coach will point out that they missed two good chances at the beginning of the second half.

“I think we could have been ahead earlier – certainly when you look at the number of good balls into the box we put in. Perhaps the sharpness in front of goal wasn’t there.

“This match will help the sharpness and help the fitness of the players. We’ve had three friendlies but we have to concede that competitive football is completely different in terms of the requirements.”

Despite being outplayed for much of the evening, Breidablik could have put a very different hue on the score-line had they taken their chances just after the break. One effort wide and a shot which hit the post illustrated the danger the Icelandic table-toppers pose – a fact Brown is aware of.

“I thought the opposition conducted themselves very well and played very well.” he added. “So all-in-all I think it was an excellent game for our lads to play in.”

The Motherwell boss was full of praise for Gary Smith who came on in the second half to make his senior debut. Brown believes the young striker has a big future ahead of him, along with a few others coming through the ranks at Fir Park.

“We brought on big Gary Smith, and it’s a tall order to come into a game like this, but he was the leading scorer in the U19s league last year and is one for the future.

“I thought he came on and looked comfortable and laid the ball on for others. We have young talents like him; Saunders and Hutchison on the bench ready to come in.”

Pictures from the 1-0 victory over Breidablik in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round first-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Ross Forbes scored the only goal of the game to give Motherwell a narrow first-leg advantage in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round tie with Breidablik.

The midfielder found the net with a low shot on 63 minutes after his corner was cleared back to him.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they dominated much of the game at Fir Park.

John Sutton, Jamie Murphy and Forbes himself all passed up opportunities in a one-sided first-half.

Breidablik had chances of their own at the start of the second-half but Craig Brown’s side recovered to take a slim lead to Iceland next week.

Darren Randolph was handed a debut goal but the new keeper barely had a save to make in the opening 45 mintues as Motherwell took the game to the Icelanders.

Sutton had the first real chance on 17 minutes when Keith Lasley deflected a Steven Hammell cross into his path. The striker tried to get a shot on goal but Elfar Helgason scrambled the ball away.

The danger wasn’t over for Breidablik just yet though as, from the resulting throw-in, Forbes whipped in a fantastic cross for Murphy who saw his low shot saved by Ingvar Kale. Murphy then tried his luck from range but his rising shot flew harmlessly over the bar.

Breidablik had offered very little going forward but Gudmundur Petursson somehow found himself  in behind the Motherwell defence, only to shoot wide under pressure from Mark Reynolds.

It was a wake-up call for the Steelmen and they certainly took notice as they went on to control the rest of the half. Firstly, Forbes headed over from a Tom Hateley cross before Chris Humphrey flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

Motherwell were getting plenty of joy in the wide areas and another Hateley cross caused problems for the Breidablik defence.

As the interval approach, the home side continued to dominate possession and Murphy made good strides into the opposing box before seeing his shot blocked by Kale.

Sutton then delivered a dangerous ball into the box but unfortunately no-one in claret and amber could apply a finishing touch.

The Steelmen made a slow start to the second-half however, and they were nearly punished by Breidablik who had two great chances within moments of the restart.

Gudmundor Kristkansson got himself on the end of a free-kick but his cushioned volley was just too hard for his teammates on the six-yard line. Kristinn Steindorsson then hit the outside of the post from close range after Kari Arsaelsson’s header inside the box.

It was a let-off for Motherwell but they composed themselves and regained control of the match. Forbes fired a warning shot on 52 minutes from a 25-yard free-kick and Hateley almost caught out Kale with an inswinging effort shortly after.

The decisive moment came on 63 minutes when Hammell returned the ball to Forbes on the right-wing after his initial corner was cleared. The midfielder cut inside and curled a low shot towards goal which just evaded substitute Gary Smith but nestled into the bottom corner.

Sutton had a chance to double the lead late on when he got himself on the end of a Murphy cross but his header went over the bar.

And substitute Steven Saunders also went close when his far post header from a Hateley corner was blocked in front of goal.

Breidablik saw out the final few minutes meaning Motherwell will take a single goal lead to Iceland next week for the second-leg.

[tab:As it happened]

90+2′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle.

90+2′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

90+2′ Saunders (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

90+2′ Saunders (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

90′ Smith (Motherwell) fouls.

89′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

89′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

88′ Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Jennings (Motherwell).

87′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

86′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

84′ Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Smith (Motherwell).

84′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

83′ Hammell (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).

82′ Sutton (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

81′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

78′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

78′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

78′ Jonsson (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

78′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

77′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

75′ Petursson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Craigan (Motherwell).

75′ Murphy (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

74′ Sutton (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

73′ SUB Sigurgeirsson (in) – Steindorsson (out) (Breidablik)

72′ SUB Saunders (in) – Forbes (out) (Motherwell)

72′ Margeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Sutton (Motherwell).

70′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

70′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

69′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Smith (Motherwell).

67′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) fouls.

64′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

64′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

63′ GOAL Forbes (Motherwell) scores with a low shot from outside the box.

62′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

62′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

59′ SUB Smith (in) – Humphrey (out) (Motherwell)

58′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

58′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

58′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

58′ Hateley (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

58′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

57′ Adalsteinsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Humphrey (Motherwell).

55′ Petursson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Reynolds (Motherwell).

54′ Humphrey (Motherwell) misses the target.

53′ Humphrey (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

53′ Helgason (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Sutton (Motherwell).

52′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the corner.

49′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

48′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) misses the target.

48′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

47′ Craigan (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Petursson (Breidablik).

47′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

46′ Forbes (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

45′ HALF-TIME The referee blows for half-time.

45′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

43′ Craigan (Motherwell) misses the target.

43′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

43′ Murphy (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

41′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Hateley (Motherwell).

37′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

37′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

34′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

33′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

27′ Elíiabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

27′ Reynolds (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Kristjansson (Breidablik).

27′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

24′ Petursson (Breidablik) misses the target.

23′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

19′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) misses the target.

19′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) delivers the corner.

19′ Petursson (Breidablik) has a shot blocked.

18′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

18′ Murphy (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

18′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

18′ Sutton (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

17′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

17′ Humphrey (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

16′ Humphrey (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

15′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

14′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

12′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

12′ Finnbogason (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

12′ Elíiabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

12′ Craigan (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

11′ Petursson (Breidablik) has a shot blocked.

9′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

6′ Finnbogason (Breidablik) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Murphy (Motherwell).

4′ Petursson (Breidablik) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Craigan (Motherwell).

2′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

2′ Jennings (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

1′ Jennings (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Finnbogason (Breidablik).

1′ KICK OFF The match is under way.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“I’m happy we didn’t concede, which is important in Europe. One of the prime objectives was to make sure we kept a clean sheet.

“You could see the emphasis I put on not conceding. We usually bring Mark Reynolds up for corner-kicks, but because of his pace at the back, tonight we didn’t.

“I thought the opposition conducted themselves very well and played very well. So all-in-all I think it was an excellent game for our lads to play in.

“We missed a number of chances in the first half but then again their coach will point out that they missed two good chances at the beginning of the second half.

“I think we could have been ahead earlier – certainly when you look at the number of good balls into the box we put in. Perhaps the sharpness in front of goal wasn’t there.

“This match will help the sharpness and help the fitness of the players. We’ve had three friendlies but we have to concede that competitive football is completely different.”

Breidablik manager Olafur Kristjansson:

“We started a bit nervous. Motherwell came at us with a lot of pressure and they put crosses into the box.

“It was our first European match – only two players have played matches like that for their club. But to be 1-0 down, I’m quite pleased after 90 minutes.

“We were unlucky to hit the post but we’ll be more confident in the second leg. We have the second game at home and we need to take our chances in that match.”

Motherwell goalscorer Ross Forbes:

“I just tried to put a cross into the box but get it on target at the same time. It’s managed to creep in at the back post and no one else was claiming it so I will.

“I’m delighted because it was an important goal for us, especially as we had missed a few good chances.

“I always felt the goal was coming and I was pleased to get it.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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‘Well fans should be aware that only a limited food service will be available at tonight’s game with Breidablik following the clubs’ decision to bring the kiosks back in-house last week.

The transition period is currently in process and Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We would ask for your patience as there is much to do this evening. There will be a limited selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks available.

“There will be positive changes to come and I am confident you’ll see the kiosks develop over the course of the season.

“Once again, thanks for your patience tonight.”