Europa League qualifier: Linfield progress after 3-2 aggregate win over HB Torshavn

Linfield will meet FK Sutjeska in the Europa League third qualifying round after beating HB Torshavn 1-0 at Windsor Park.

Andy Waterworth’s first-half penalty was enough to give the Blues a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The striker made no mistake from 12 yards after Joel Cooper was impeded by Torshavn’s Jogvan Roi Davidsen.

A trip to Montenegro now awaits the reigning Irish Premiership champions.

While the Belfast side would have been disappointed with conceding a late equaliser in the first leg, they quickly signalled their intent when Waterworth produced a fine save from Bjarti Vitalis Mork after having been slipped through by Bastien Hery.

Waterworth was given a chance to get his goal soon after when Davidsen fouled Cooper – who was impressive on the night – and fired his penalty beyond Mork to give Linfield daylight in the tie thanks to their two away goals.

Linfield looked dangerous on the attack, particularly through the lively Cooper, who almost found Waterworth for the second after some impressive work to beat two Torshavn players.

Although the hosts continually found joy down the left flank, with Cooper and Daniel Kearns linking up impressively, Chris Casement was almost punished for a poor back-pass only for Torshavn winger Simun Samuelsen to shoot wide.

Adrian Justinussen also went close for the Faroese side but Linfield saw the game out to advance.

“It was a very professional performance,” Linfield boss David Healy said.

“We gave them too much possession last week and we were too open. It’s great for the club and the players, and I’m thrilled for them because they’ve given me so much.”

Linfield’s first leg away to Sutjeska will be played on Tuesday, four days before David Healy’s men begin their Irish Premiership title defence at home to Institute.