Kilmarnock

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Kilmarnock’s defence proved to be an unbreachable obstacle for Tromso on Thursday night.

Was the bedrock of the 1-0 win a switch to the formation that served Derek McInnes so well last season?

Laurie Finlayson, co-host of the Killie View podcast, certainly believes so.

"Yeah absolutely, I think a key to our success last night was actually restoring the 4-4-2 formation, as simple as that sounds,” he said.

"In recent weeks Derek has been toying with things that hasn't really worked, whereas playing 4-4-2 was what brought us a lot of our success last season.

"And a lot of that success last season came from performances akin to last night where it's quite gritty or digging in and getting the job done.

"And defensively, it's been a strange one this season because it's effectively the same backline a lot of the time. The only difference really being Robby McCrorie is now between the sticks and for a couple of games now, young Oliver Bainbridge, on loan from Sunderland, has been getting a game."

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Derek McInnes' "fighting talk" and insistence Kilmarnock were going to Tromso to win is a change of tact other Scottish clubs in Europe should take note of, says Sunday Mail chief football writer Scott McDermott.

Listen to the Scottish football podcast for more reaction to Kilmarnock's win

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FC Copenhagen set up a Europa League play-off against Kilmarnock after surviving what some fans described as one of the worst-ever penalty shoot-outs.

Seven out of 10 spot kicks were missed or saved - with former Celtic and Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi one of the culprits - as the Danes won the shoot-out 2-1 after Banik Ostrava deservedly edged their home leg 1-0 to level the aggregate score at 1-1.

Copenhagen travelled to the Czech Republic with an advantage courtesy of substitute midfielder Victor Froholdt's stoppage-time winner.

In Ostrava, English goalkeeper Nathan Trott and the first of a couple goal-line clearances kept Banik at bay until Erik Prekop fired home from David Buchta's cut-back three minutes from the break.

The hosts were again dominant in the second half, with Elyounoussi firing one of Copenhagen's rare goal attempts straight at goalkeeper Jakub Markovic before setting up midfielder William Clem for a low drive just wide in extra time.

Banik substitute Abdullahi Tanko fluffed a one-one-one chance to avoid the tense spot-kick finale.

Then came the shoot-out, with fellow home forward Jiri Klima setting the tone by striking the outside of a post, Markovic saved from Iceland forward Orri Oskarsson and Ewarton skied his attempt over the bar before midfielder Magnus Mattsson finally put Copenhagen ahead.

Filip Kubala immediately replied for the hosts then Elyounoussi fired his spot kick against Markovic's legs.

However, Michal Frydrych was next to lift his attempt over the bar, Elias Achouri found the top corner and Matej Chalus handed victory to the Danes by thumping yet another clear of the crossbar.

Following his early dismissal on Saturday, Kilmarnock defender Joe Wright bounced back with a crucial winning goal and a solid defensive performance in his side's triumph in Tromso.

The 29-year-old defender headed home after 11 minutes played and was thrilled by the team's energetic, all-round performance as they progressed to a Conference League play-off against Copenhagen.

"All the boys are delighted in there," Wright told BBC Scotland.

"It was a brilliant team performance. We just worked so hard, tirelessly as a team and communicated well.

"To get a 1-0, it was a perfect result for us. That's what we were last season; difficult to score against and popping up with goals at good moments.

"I think we were comfortable in our shape. We worked on it. It looks unnatural when their goalkeeper is carrying the ball to the halfway line but it is something we were happy for them to do, which allowed us to nick possession and hit them on the counter attack.

"It's mainly the same squad with some new additions. From where we were two years ago to then a play-off game in the Conference League. It's a massive credit to everyone at the club."

A memorable continental journey will carry on for Kilmarnock.

Joe Wright's early header and a robust defensive showing over the 90 has knocked out Tromso and has set up a Conference League play-off against Danish giants Copenhagen.

Let us know your thoughts on the result and the play-off draw here., external

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "Last season, we had so many games where we got results from being resilient, hard to play against, everything we weren't on Sunday.

"We played on the outside of their shape really well first half and we got the all important goal.

"We wanted to try and continue this run and we've not got a really exciting tie to come."

"They thought they had one foot in the next round, I felt that last week. I thought there was an overconfidence, we spoke about that."

On match-winner Joe Wright: "He was in such a poor place place on Sunday, he felt like he let everyone down. But in football there's always another game.

"He's the guy who made the difference tonight."

Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock’s grit in defence has shone once again.

As soon as McInnes’ men took the lead in the Arctic Circle, there was a noticeable lowering of their defensive line as 11 bodies quickly dropped behind the ball for Tromso’s next attack.

Club captain Kyle Vassell and young, surprise starter Bobby Wales both fluffed chances up the other end in the second half, but it never seemed to unsettle Killie.

Every player held their shape well and rarely allowed Tromso a clear sight at goal, while also effectively slowing down play in the latter stages of the tie.

The late introduction of Rory McKenzie was also inspired, as a late last-ditch challenge from the midfielder thwarted a promising Tromso attack.

The Ayrshire side are now within touching distance of the league stage. And it’s down to their battling attitude and tactical nous when out of possession.

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From zero to hero. Joe Wright.

After his early red card during Sunday's home defeat to St Johnstone, the 29-year-old popped up with the decisive goal to send Killie into the Conference League play-off.

Wright was also superb throughout in defence, never putting a foot wrong until his late, enforced substitution.

Tromso: Haugaard, Barry, Skjaervik, Guddal, Cornic, Hjerto Dahl, Jenssen, Antonsen, Paintsil, Nordas, Romsaas.

Substitutes: Thomas, Jenseen, Winther, Erlien, Johnsgard, Larsen, Norheim, Nilsen, Psyche.

Kilmarnock: McCrorie, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Bainbridge, Armstrong, Donnelly, Lyons, Kennedy, Vassell, Wales.

Substitutes: O'Hara, Deas, McKenzie, Watson, Mackay-Steven, Murray, Cameron, Anderson, E. Brown, Polworth.

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The draw for the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup will take place on Sunday after the Celtic v Hibs tie, which kicks off at 15:00 BST.

The draw will be shown live on Premier Sports following their coverage of the game from Parkhead.

All quarter-final ties due to be played on the weekend of September 21-22.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Tromso

Around 300 Kilmarnock fans have travelled to Tromso for Killie's Conference League crunch tie, and so far they're enjoying the Norwegian hospitality.

The flags are up while they take over some local bars and they're in good spirits and in good voice.

Killie's opponents have quite a claim to fame, as the world's northernmost top-flight football club, with the city of Tromso inside the Arctic Circle.

Kilmarnock are hoping to get the better of them tonight on their own patch, as they look to keep their European adventure going.

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It's been a far from convincing start to the season for Derek McInnes' Kilmarnock, who have lost three and drawn two of their five competitive outings.

Still, could the allure of European competition proper inspire Killie to a first win this term and kickstart their campaign?

Bobby Wales' late goal earned them a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Conference League qualifier against Tromso last week, and they travel to Norway knowing a win would set up a play-off against either FC Copenhagen or Banik Ostrava.

"It shouldn't be beyond Kilmarnock to, at their best, get through this tie tonight," The Times' Michael Grant told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"But how many times have we been through this with all the Scottish teams and we think that they're in the mix?

"They nearly lost the home leg, it was a kind of saving job right at the end.

"I do worry for Kilmarnock this season, that's five games in still to get a win. It doesn't seem to have ignited for Derek yet and it'll be a real blow for them if they go out of this round, not just financially of course."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kyle Vassell is relishing the "cup final atmosphere" he expects to experience when Kilmarnock face Tromso for a place in the Europa Conference League play-offs.

The tie is evenly poised after Bobby Wales' added-time equaliser gave Killie a fighting chance in Norway following a 2-2 draw at Rugby Park.

Tromso recovered from Vassell's early opener to take command of the tie but Wales' leveller means Derek McInnes' men - who lost their Europa League qualifier against Cercle Bruges - travel to Romssa Arena with hope of extending their stay in Europe.

"Now this is potentially the last game - we've had our chance in the Europa League that we let slip - it makes it even more important," said Vassell.

"We must not get caught up in it, it's still a game of football, but we need to go out there knowing essentially it could be a cup final atmosphere and we need to match it.

"Everyone's different. I like to probably taper it down and play the game, stay calm and cool, but some boys will need to get fired up and play with a bit of an edge.

"So it's about trying to speak to the right people in the right way and get them in the right headspace."

Some uncharacteristic defensive lapses let Killie down last week after Vassell's opener, but the striker thinks his side showed enough in Ayrshire to feel confident they can hurt Tromso.

"I thought it was going to be a good night for us, just because of the team I'm in and how good we are defensively," he added.

"You know we had such a good record last season and you wouldn't expect us to concede two goals at home, but at the same time, it showed us we can definitely do some damage.

"And we're full of confidence off the back of that result even though it was a draw. They have some good players in defence, but I fancy my chances."

Vassell admitted Tromso having a rest at weekend while Killie lost against St Johnstone is "beneficial, but it is what it is" and the forward is focusing only about glory, not fatigue.

"That's all I've been thinking about, it's all I've been thinking about," he said.

"I'm going to do my best tonight and make sure I can get the team as ready as possible because it's a massive opportunity for us."

Derek McInnes wants his Kilmarnock side to thrive on the pressure of having to beat Tromso in Norway on Thursday night to extend their Conference League campaign into the play-off round.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Tromso

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League third qualifying round second leg against Tromso in Norway.

Here are the key points from the press conference:

• The game is "in the balance", with Kilmarnock still very much in the tie after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. McInnes says that while some may think Tromso are "huge favourites" he does not see it that way.

• He was annoyed at the manner in which Kilmarnock conceded goals in the first leg and says they "skewed the result" but he thinks his team were the better side.

• Feels there is more to come from Kilmarnock and he wants them to play with a cutting edge while being more organised and concentrated.

• McInnes adds: "I don't want us to wait a few weeks before we go and show our best and look back at what might have been."

• McInnes says Tromso play with energy and build up their play. Their strength is playing well as a team, not standout individuals.

• Corrie Nbada has travelled, but McInnes is hoping not to use the defender. Marley Watkins, Liam Donnelly and Gary Mackay-Steven all travelled and are in squad. But Kyle Maggenis has not travelled.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Tromso

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Tromso co-head coach Gard Holme is confident his side's "better pitch" will help give them the edge against Kilmarnock.

The sides are locked at 2-2 for Thursday night's Conference League qualifier return leg in Norway after Bobby Wales netted a last-gasp equaliser last week at Rugby Park.

Like Kilmarnock, Tromso play on an artificial surface.

"It's going to be a physical struggle, there will a be a lot of duels and we want to control the game a little bit more with the ball than we did in the away game," Holme said.

"It's a bigger pitch, a better pitch, so I think that will be a key point. And then, of course, to have long attacks and try to push them a little bit more backwards than we did.

"I think it will be quite tight and tough and it can go both ways of course, but we are confident.

"The feeling in the club is it's a good opportunity for us. We haven't been in European competition for 10 years and nobody is putting us under pressure. So that's a very good position to be in, we’re in an attacking mind."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Tromso

The Romssa Arena should be almost full tomorrow night for Kilmarnock's Conference League qualifying mission.

Around 5,300 home tickets have been sold while 300 Kilmarnock fans are expected in the away end.

When the Rugby Park faithful arrive in Tromso they’ll find a picturesque, but busy place. Plenty of bars and restaurants to keep them satisfied.

The weather is being kind too, 23 degrees and sunny, which I’m told is highly unusual for Tromso. It’s due to rain on Thursday, so they’ll feel right at home.

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Sandy Armour
Fan writer

There is a train of thought that teams like Killie, St Mirren or Motherwell simply don't have the depth of squad to perform in Europe and maintain league form.

Killie are certainly doing their bit to prove the point as we look like a shadow of the team who finished an impressive fourth last term.

It's far too early to be hitting the panic button, but the manager's recent comment about the budget being spent is a concern.

The desire to keep most of last season's squad is admirable but even the most successful teams freshen their squad every summer.

We look like a team who need to beef up the squad with some new faces, if that means selling Danny Armstrong, then so be it.

Rumours are abound that Danny could be away once we are out of Europe, and that would bring in some welcome funds and free up another wage.

It's another busy week with a tough trip to the frozen Arctic circle, followed by a cup trip to the even colder Fir Park.

Two wins would put the fans in a better frame of mind and have us dreaming once again of a successful season.

Sandy Armour is the editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine

Killie fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's defeat to St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Sean: Kilmarnock currently look like a shadow of themselves. Losing goals which could have easily been prevented and lacking killer instinct up front. It is frustrating, but I believe it can be sorted. The players need to start believing in themselves again.

Adam: We need to learn how to hold onto the ball and control games especially at home. Too many players in the penalty box causes mistakes, no out ball. We are far too defensive, no playmaker in midfield and long balls don’t work, and sorry Kyle Vassell isn’t good.

Mark: We badly need to both stick with a settled team and positions, too much tinkering going on again. Plus a right-back and creative midfielder additions needed.

Scott: Five games down, the same style of play in each one, no wins, almost out of Europe, bottom of the league, an away game to Tromso and a league cup tie away to Motherwell awaits - I've got the fear and it's month one of a new season.

Amy: That was a performance from a team, rightly, with one eye on Europe. Not helped by a stupid red card but we have plenty of time to make amends in the league. If we win 0-1 in Tromso on Thursday none of us will remember this game when we're in Copenhagen for the play off. No panic yet - far from it. In Derek McInnes we trust.

Stephen: A performance reminiscent of the relegation season of 2020-21. It's not a blip either. That's one win in our last 10 competitive games. McInnes loves to shoehorn as many centre-halves as possible into the team, but no full-backs. And the difference in movement from our front two compared to Saints' was embarrassing. Hoofball is getting us nowhere.

Jim: For goodness sake leave out the European games as it is getting us nowhere. We have no consistency in team selection. Europe means nothing. The league is our bread and butter. Who really cares if we get thumped in Europe. Play fringe players in Europe not the league.

Was Kilmarnock's Danny Armstrong a victim of a VAR quirk against St Johnstone?

Watch Sportscene analysis of the incident.

Watch highlights as St Johnstone put three past Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

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