Stephen Robinson shared that they are ready to face Brann after a 4-1 victory over Valur in the qualifying round of the tournament.
After last week’s 0-0 draw in Iceland, the stalemate was resolved in Paisley when Shaun Rooney scored his first goal for the Buddies and the club’s first in European competition since 1987.
Toyosi Olusanya scored St Mirren’s second goal, and a brilliant volley from captain Mark O’Hara set them firmly on the path to the next round 7m.
Tryggvi Haraldsson pulled one back for Valur with a penalty, but a late tap-in from Alex Iacovitti—also his first goal for St Mirren—secured the victory for Robinson’s team.
Norwegian side Brann will visit Paisley next Thursday, with the return leg set for Bergen the following week.
St Mirren have achieved their first European win in 37 years, and their next goal is to secure a second victory within eight days.
Robinson told BBC Scotland: “We put in a lot of effort to get here last year, and the boys have worked incredibly hard to advance to the next round.
Robinson told BBC Scotland: “We put in a lot of effort to get here last year, and the boys have worked incredibly hard to advance to the next round.
“We have no fear. We’re going to savor every moment of it. We have players who can challenge any team. There’s no reason why we can’t hope for a positive result in the next match.”
Rooney made a name for himself with cup final goals for St Johnstone and came through once more by powering a header from O’Hara’s corner into the net.
There were moments when the Valur team had a chance to equalize thanks to excellent ball coordination, but goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe did a good job of blocking the ball while protecting the goal of the city team.
St Mirren maintained pressure throughout the first half but failed to extend their lead. However, their nerves were calmed in the second half under somewhat controversial circumstances.
Roland Idowu appeared to be offside when he received a headed knock-on from a long ball and passed unselfishly to Olusanya for an easy finish. With no flag and no VAR to review the play, the goal was allowed to stand.
The home side’s evening improved further with the goal of the night.
O’Hara positioned himself expertly at the edge of the box to meet a long throw-in with a flawlessly executed volley.
Valur were handed a lifeline when Jaden Brown brought down Jonatan Jonsson, allowing Haraldsson to convert the penalty with composure.
However, Iacovitti sealed a jubilant end to the night for the St Mirren supporters by scoring on the rebound after Jonah Ayunga’s header from a corner was saved.
St Mirren Shine on Memorable Night – Analysis
Although a 0-0 draw away from home last week wasn’t a bad result, St Mirren had to take the initiative in their home leg—and they did just that.
An early goal provided a boost, and St Mirren’s decision to continue pressing rather than sit back ensured that Valur never truly gained control of the match.
St Mirren’s fitness levels were also commendable, especially against a team that is midway through their season.
Next week will pose a tougher challenge for Robinson’s side, as Brann has advanced past Dutch team Go Ahead Eagles. However, by then, St Mirren will have gained an additional 90 minutes of match experience.
What did they share?
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: “It was a highly professional performance.
“This is just our second game of the season, and with seven changes from last year, the players are still getting up to full fitness.
“We’ve put a lot of work into our corner routines. We didn’t capitalize on enough set pieces last year, but we scored two tonight and had several more opportunities. It’s gratifying to see that effort pay off.”
St Mirren’s Shaun Rooney: “We achieved what we needed to do tonight and are excited for the next round. The performance was a perfect reflection of the gaffer’s strategy. Everyone was closely knit.”
St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara: “I’m soaking it all in. It’s a special moment, but we want more of these. We’ve got important games coming up next week and the week after.”
St Mirren’s Shaun Rooney: “We accomplished what we needed to do tonight and are eagerly anticipating the next round. The performance was a perfect match for the gaffer’s plan, and everyone was united.”
St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara: “I’m savoring the moment. It’s a special achievement, but we’re aiming for more. We have important matches coming up next week and the following week.”
What is next?
St Mirren will kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign at home against Hibernian on Sunday at 15:00 BST.
