Drogheda United's European adventure came to an abrupt end in Sweden this evening as the eircom Premier Division leaders lost 3-0 on the night, 4-1 on aggregate, to Helsingborgs IF at the Olympia Stadium.
Paul Doolin's men went into the Uefa Cup second qualifying round, second leg with genuine hopes after the 1-1 draw in the first leg. However, Drogheda failed to break down their opponents, and in the end, were no match for the home side.
The Drogs were found would wanting after second half goals from Andreas Jakobsson, Razak Omotoyossi and Olivier Karekezi ensured the win. In truth the visitors could have lost by more.
Former Celtic star Henrik Larsson pulled the strings throughout and might even have opened the scoring in the first minute of play if Dan O'Connor hadn't tipped over the bar after slicing his attempted clearance.
Elsewhere tonight Stephen Kenny's Dunfermline lost 1-0 to BK Hacken, who went through 2-1 on aggregate. Blackburn Rovers beat MyPa 2-0 to secure a 3-0 aggregate win.
Tonight's results mean Helsingborgs IF, Blackburn and BC Hacken all advance into tomorrow's draw for the first round proper of the Uefa Cup.
Tonight's Results:
Uefa Cup second qualifying round, second leg
BK Hacken 1-0 Dunfermline, (Hacken win 2-1 on agg)
Blackburn 2-0 MyPa, (Blackburn win 3-0 on agg)
Helsingborgs IF 3-0 Drogheda Utd (Helsingborg win 4-1 on
agg)
eircom League First Division
Dundalk 2-0 Wexford Youths
