Europa League Qualifier: Odense Boldklub 2-1 Motherwell - Last minute away goal keeps Well hopes alive

Motherwell managed a crucial away goal in the last minute of their Europa League play-off, keeping their hopes of progressing through to the next round alive.

Things had looked bleak for 'Well, after midfielder Steve Jennings was sent off for two bookable offences with the team staring a 2-0 defeat in the face.

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Draw £35.00

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Motherwell £70.00

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But Tom Hateley struck a last minute free kick to claim a crucial away goal for his side.

There were familiar faces in the Odense line up, with former Manchester United players Roy Carroll and Eric Djemba-Djemba turning out for the Danes.

Motherwell started the game brightly, with Jamie Murphy putting a chance over the bar almost straight from the kick off.

It was a signal of intent from the Scottish team, who were clearly not content to just sit back and defend for the 90 minutes.

But just after half an hour, OB took a fortuitous lead.

From a free kick out on the right wing, Chris Sorensen whipped a ball in, which eluded everyone on its way into the net.

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph hesitated to come out and claim the ball and was caught out as it curled into the far corner of the goal.

OB managed to take the lead in with them at half time, and after the break it was much the same, as Motherwell attacked, trying to get a crucial away goal.

Roy Carroll had to be alert to save one of his defenders from embarrassment, after a back pass went wrong the goalkeeper just managed to get the ball away from Murphy.

Then, on 70 minutes ‘Well had a penalty shout turned down after Murphy was brought down in the box. It was a tough moment for the youngster, who felt he had clearly been impeded and made his feelings clear.

Murphy was subsequently removed by Craig Brown, and his replacement almost made an immediate impact, with his first shot of the game cannoning off the bar.

Then with just 12 minutes left, Peter Utaka doubled OB’s lead after breaking down the left wing, cutting inside and thundering a shot high into the Motherwell goal.

Things went from bad to worse as midfielder Steve Jennings receiving a red card late in the game for two bookable offences.

But with all chance of getting anything out of the match looking slim, up stepped Tom Hately to score a stunning 25 yard free kick with the last kick of the game, to put Motherwell in a good position for the return leg on home soil.    

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