Motherwell to face Bala Town or Sligo Rovers in Europa Conference League

Motherwell finished fifth in last season's Scottish Premiership

Motherwell will face Bala Town or Sligo Rovers in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.

The Fir Park side, who finished fifth in the Scottish Premiership last season, will be at home for the first leg on 21 July, with the return seven days later.

That is despite having requested the dates be switched "in order to give our new pitch an additional week's growth".

Wales' Bala host Irish side Sligo on 7 July, with the return on 14 July.

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander predicted that: "They'll be competitive games.

• Scottish clubs primed for European adventures

"It's something we worked exceptionally hard for last year. I know, whether it's Bala or Sligo, we'll take a good support."

Should Motherwell progress, they will compete in the third qualifying round on 4 and 11 August, with the draw on 18 July.

'Minimal change' to Motherwell squad

The Steelmen, who have recruited midfielder Blair Spittal so far this summer, reached the Europa League third qualifying round in 2020-21, losing 3-0 to Israel's Hapoel Beer Sheva in a one-off tie.

"We feel we're in a real good position with our squad currently," Alexander added.

"The disruption or the change to the squad this year will be minimal but we're still looking to improve because there are still a couple of positions we need to strengthen.

"As we did last year, we'll take our time to make sure we get the right person. We have a strict budget that we stick to, that won't change."

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