Aberdeen and Motherwell cruise through first round Euro ties

Aberdeen and Motherwell have progressed to the second qualifying round of the Europa League after comfortable wins over their first oppponents.

The Dons thumped Faroese part-time side NSI Runavik 6-0 and Motherwell defeated Glentoran 5-1at Fir Park.

Aberdeen have won their last two Premiership matches and they continued their positive run at Pittodrie. After initially struggling a little to break down the opposition,, Derek McInnes’ side took the lead after 36 minutes when Lewis Ferguson scored with a header.

Curtis Main added a second to put his side in full control just before half time. The forward was replaced by Ryan Hedges at the break and theWelshman went on to take a starring role.

Hedges bundled in a goal in the 50th minute and then scored with a smart strike nine minutes later.

Jonny Hayes made it 5-0 not long after the hour mark and Hedges completed the scoring, and his hat-trick, with a penalty in the dying minutes.

At Fir Park, Motherwell found Glentoran to be tough opponents in the opening exchanges and the Irish Cup winners went close to taking a surprise lead on several occasions.

The sides were level at the break but a red card for Glentoran’s Seanon Clucas opened the door for Motherwell to push home their advantage.

Callum Lang clipped in Motherwell’s first on 58 minutes before Stephen O’Donnell scored from distance 14 minutes later.

Liam Polworth quickly added a third with a header before Tony Watt tapped in a fourth.

Christopher Long headed in to close the scoring for the hosts but Glentoran got a late consolation from the penalty spot when Robbie McDaid netted.

The Scottish sides will learn their second qualifying round opponents at a UEFA draw on Monday.