Haaland hat-trick helps Norway to victory

Posted on September 8, 2021 by FootballGib

A smart finish from Reece Styche was unfortunately not enough to prevent an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway side from running out 5-1 winners in Oslo last night against Gibraltar.

Photo © Rough & Ready

Among the changes from Saturday’s defeat against Turkey were Kyle Goldwin coming in for Dayle Coleing, who was a surprising absentee from the 22-man matchday squad, while Styche came in for the suspended Tjay De Barr up top. There was also a start for Ethan Jolley, while Louie Annesley returned from suspension as well.

Norway went into this game level on points with the Netherlands, but with an eight goal worse goal difference, and from the first minute you could see they were trying to correct that. However, as well as Gibraltar’s defence, Stale Solbakken’s side had another issue in the end – Netherlands ran out comprehensive 6-1 winners against Turkey in a top of the table clash in Amsterdam.

Norway would, after just over 20 minutes of trying to break down Gib, then go and score three goals in 16 minutes. Like in March, Kristian Thorstvedt opened the scoring, before Haaland, who drew a blank in the Victoria Stadium in the two teams last meeting, grabbed a brace to seemingly put Norway on the road to a cricket score.

Gibraltar soon had other ideas though – Gibraltar’s pressing game led to Julian Valarino latching onto a loose Norwegian pass; Graeme Torrilla then won a 50-50 on the edge of the box which set up Styche, who showed great composure to dink the ball over Bournemouth keeper Orjan Nyland to reduce the deficit. VAR would come to the rescue before the break, overturning a Norway penalty, and the teams went in 3-1 at the half time whistle.

Alexander Sorloth had numerous chances throughout the game, but eventually got his goal to make it 4-1 on the 58^th minute, and Norway would have hoped Gib would crumble. That would not be the case though, and it would take until the final moments of the game for Dortmund’s Haaland to get his hat-trick and add a 5^th for Norway, who go second in the group but slipped slightly further away from the Netherlands, who Gib travel to face in Rotterdam in October.

The result officially ended any Gibraltar hopes of reaching the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and with Julio Ribas’ project aimed around that tournament (his contract is believed to end at the end of 2021 though), it will be interesting to see if either Ribas, or the GFA see this as an opportunity for a fresh start after November. For now though, there are four more qualifying games, including two home matches against Montenegro and Latvia where, if some of the defensive shackles are loosened, Gib could give the fans something to cheer with a positive result or performance. With Styche scoring his second in as many starts, and De Barr also showing promising form on the international stage, will those games be the time for the pair to finally start up top together?

Gibraltar end triple-header away in Norway

Posted on September 6, 2021 by FootballGib

Gibraltar wrap up their September international triple-header with a difficult away trip to Oslo to take on Norway tomorrow.

Photo © W Gracia Photos

After an improved performance at home to Turkey on Saturday, Gib flew out on Sunday morning to Norway to prepare for their sixth game of the qualifying campaign so far. Their hosts, who won 3-0 at the Victoria Stadium back in March, will be looking for a convincing win, especially as, depending on the result between Turkey and the Netherlands on the same night, they could find themselves top of Group G come the end of this international break.

Julio Ribas’ side were dealt a blow when striker Tjay De Barr picked up his second booking of the qualifying campaign so far, meaning he’ll serve a one-match ban in this game. They are helped by the return of Louie Annesley from suspension, while Reece Styche is expected to replace De Barr up top in what will no doubt be a challenging evening for the Hednesford attacker.

Norway have no suspended players of their own to contend with, although with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Mohamed Elyounoussi some of those just one yellow from missing a crucial away tie against Turkey next month, manager Stale Solbakken may make a couple of changes to his team. Don’t expect wholesale changes though – goal difference is the first separator of teams on level points and with Norway eight goals behind Netherlands on goal difference, and five behind Turkey, this will be a massive chance to potentially claw back that deficit, should the likes of Erling Haaland find the form that deserted him in the Victoria Stadium back in March.

For Gib, there may have to be other changes to the team owing to the challenging triple-header which has already seen them make a return trip to Latvia as well as their flight to Oslo, and two challenging matches in the last week. However, this will offer them the chance to end this international break on a positive note if the performance is right, and give them some belief ahead of the two final international breaks of 2021, where they have two reasonable home games against Montenegro and Latvia to try and get points from.

Betting*:

Understandably the hosts come into this game as 1/50 favourites to take all three points, while Gib are 350/1 for the victory and 35/1 for the draw. Goals will no doubt be on Norway’s mind given the goal difference issue they have, and the goal line currently sits at Over/Under 4.5 – a total they haven’t reached in a match since a 5-1 drubbing of Northern Ireland exactly a year ago tomorrow.

Despite not scoring at the Victoria Stadium in March, Erling Haaland, one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, is just 29/20 to score first, and 1/8 to score in 90 minutes. Gib came close to scoring vs Turkey last time out, hitting the post early in the second half, and have scored in three of their last five competitive away matches, so Both Teams To Score is a potentially tempting 18/5.

* All prices correct as of 10:41 CEST 6^th September 2021, and prices may fluctuate. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ www.begambleaware.org

Match Officials:

Nikolas Neokleous is the referee for tomorrow’s game, as part of an all-Cypriot team at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. While this will be his first competitive senior international as a referee, he has been fourth official for two Gibraltar U17 games back in 2016, from which four of that team are in the current senior national team (Ethan Britto, Louie Annesley, Julian Valarino & Kian Ronan).

Predicted Lineups:

Norway – Hansen; Ryerson, Ajer, Gabrielsen, Meling; Berg, Daehli, Normann; King; Sorloth, Haaland

Gibraltar – Coleing; Sergeant, Wiseman, R. Chipolina, Annesley, Pons; Valarino, Torrilla, Badr, Hernandez; Styche

Subs the key as Turkey battle to beat Gib

Posted on September 5, 2021 by FootballGib

Turkey manager Senol Gunes had to turn to his bench in order to eventually break down Gibraltar in their 3-0 victory at the Victoria Stadium last night.

Photo (C) Rough & Ready

In front of a not full ground (the £25 price tag, with no concessions for juniors or seniors may have put off families especially), Gibraltar made two changes from the defeat against Latvia, with Aymen Mouelhi and Anthony Hernandez coming in for Jamie Bosio and the suspended Louie Annesley. Turkey opted for a 4-4-2, but with Burak Yilmaz suspended, they went with the combination of Feyenoord’s Orkun Kokcu and Galatasaray striker Muhammed Akturkoglu up top.

Turkey appeared to be getting off to the perfect start when they won a penalty in the opening minute of the game, but Gib keeper Dayle Coleing had other ideas, diving low to his right to stop Enes Unal’s spot-kick and keeping the scores goalless. Turkey were having the more of the chances in the first half, but could find no way past Gib, who were not helped by Ethan Britto coming off after half an hour. Tjay De Barr, who threatened all game, picked up a yellow in the first half and will now miss Tuesday’s trip to Norway as a result of suspension.

Into the second half, and Gunes made a triple-sub at the break, bringing on Kenan Karaman, Halil Dervisoglu and Hakan Calhanoglu, and all three would go on to make big impacts, each getting on the scoresheet. They were somewhat fortunate not to go behind though, as De Barr saw an effort from outside the box tipped onto the post by Ugurcan Cakir early in the half – that would be as close as Gib got to taking the lead though, as Calhanoglu set up Dervisoglu to open the scoring for the visitors.

10 minutes later, and Calhanoglu himself would get on the scoresheet with an effort from outside the box, but Gib came close to pulling one back as Roy Chipolina saw his header from a corner saved by Cakir. Turkey would wrap up all three points in the 82^nd minute though, as the third of the subs, Karaman, got himself a goal to ensure Turkey remained top of the group.

There were definitely improvements in Gibraltar’s performance from the defeat against Latvia, even if Julio Ribas’ failure to use all five of his subs to keep the starting players fresher ahead of the trip to Norway next week was of some concern. Gib managed to fashion more chances than in any of their previous qualifiers and De Barr, who gave Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu issues during the match, was unlucky not to make it five goals in as many games for clubs (Lincoln and Wycombe) and country. The challenge now is to keep up that attitude to the game in future matches – with Montenegro and Latvia to visit the Victoria Stadium later this year, there are chances for Gib to pick up points if they are brave enough.

Gibraltar to take on Turkey at Victoria Stadium

Posted on September 3, 2021 by FootballGib

Gibraltar face a tough World Cup Qualifier tomorrow as group leaders Turkey visit the Victoria Stadium.

Photo © C Correa Photography

After Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat against Latvia, Gibraltar must now prepare to host a side who have picked up eight points from their first four games in the group and sit above both the Netherlands and Norway in the race to reach Qatar 2022.

Gib’s task was made harder by the fact Blackburn defender Louie Annesley, who fills in as a makeshift central midfielder in the national team, will be serving a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifiers so far – a whole host of other Gib players would miss Tuesday’s trip to Norway should they get booked tomorrow night.

After impressive victories vs the Netherlands and Norway, Turkey were bought back down to earth somewhat, both by their disappointing Euro 2020 tournament showing, and draws against Latvia and Montenegro respectively in this qualifying group. They remain top of Group G and know a win against Gib would ensure they stay there at the halfway stage of the qualifying group.

For Gibraltar, they will be desperately hoping to improve on some of the worrying stats that have come up during this qualifying campaign – they are averaging the least possession of all 55 nations, at an average of 23.7%, while they have attempted the joint-fewest shots (seven in four games) and have failed to register a shot on target from open play (both shots on target were from penalties). They also have the joint-fourth worst disciplinary record (albeit opponents Turkey are the worst with 13 yellow cards in four games), and Gib’s pass completion rate is the lowest among all 55 nations at just 57.9% (all stats courtesy of Whoscored and UEFA.com).

Betting*:

Unsurprisingly, Turkey come into this game as heavy favourites, with a best price of 1/41 available. For Gibraltar, they are as big as 450/1 to take all three points, while the draw is best price 40/1. Both Teams To Score is currently 18/5, and the Over/Under line is set at 4.5, with both Over and Under 4.5 goals best price EVS depending who you bet with.

In the goalscorer betting, with striker Burak Yilmaz suspended, Getafe’s Enes Unal is favourite to score the first goal at 4/1, while free-kick speciality Hakan Calhanoglu is 9/2 if he starts. For Gib, Tjay De Barr is 14/1 to score anytime and could be on penalty duty like he was in Riga.

* All prices correct as of 10:59 CEST 3^rd September 2021, and prices may fluctuate. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ www.begambleaware.org

Match Officials:

Tomorrow’s match officials hail from Estonia, with 40-year-old Kristo Tohver the man in the middle. He has been a FIFA-listed official since 2010, and this will be his first team refereeing a Gibraltarian team.

Predicted Lineups:

Gibraltar – Coleing; Sergeant, Mouelhi, Wiseman, Bosio, Olivero; Valarino, Badr, Barnett, Pons; De Barr

Turkey – Bayindir; Ayhan, Kabak, Demiral, R. Yilmaz; Yazici, Yokuslu, Ucan; Yaziki, Unal, Karaman

Latvia run out deserved winners vs Gibraltar

Posted on September 2, 2021 by FootballGib

A penalty from Tjay De Barr was not enough to stop Latvia running out deserved 3-1 winners over Gibraltar in Riga last night.

With experienced heads such as Liam Walker and Lee Casciaro not in the squad, Julio Ribas named a youthful first eleven, with only three of the first eleven 30 or over. Despite Lincoln arguably showing the blueprint to take on Latvian sides in the last couple of weeks, and with eight of the Gib team current Lincoln players (as well as Julian Valarino who is on loan at St Joseph’s from Lincoln), Ribas still opted for his ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation, with damage limitation seemingly on his mind.

Latvia controlled the game throughout but were wasteful in attack themselves and needed a penalty to take the lead. After Scott Wiseman fouled Arturs Zjuzinz, and VAR, which was in operation for the first time in a Gibraltar match, confirmed the referee’s decision, Vladislav Gutkovskis put away his spot-kick to put Latvia seemingly on the path to a comfortable victory.

VAR however would come into play again and give Gib a lifeline though – after the referee somehow missed a blatant foul on Roy Chipolina in the box, the referee was told to watch the pitch-side monitor, where his clear and obvious error was shown and the decision for a penalty to Gib was eventually awarded. De Barr stepped up and equalized for Gib, in the process drawing level with Lee Casciaro on three goals as Gibraltar’s all-time leading scorer in the UEFA era.

Unfortunately for Gib though, this would wake Latvia back up and they would grab two late goals to secure their deserved victory. Gutkovskis got his second of the night with a tap in, then Andrejs Ciganiks wrapped up all three points with a good goal into the top corner, ensuring his side move on to four points in the group.

The nature of Gibraltar’s performance left a lot to be desired – 21 shots to 4 in favour of arguably the second weakest team in the group in Latvia showed their clear dominance, as did their 63% ball possession, and 338 accurate passes to Gib’s 171 (less than two accurate passes per minute). Ribas’ damage limitation policy may have seen Gib ‘only’ concede three, but it will have done little to inspire the Gib fans or encourage them to pay £25 to watch the team vs Turkey on Saturday (at the time of writing there are still 750 unsold tickets for the match). Gibraltar’s fans won’t be expecting their side to be dominating or winning these qualifiers, but they would most likely want something a bit more entertaining to watch, even in defeat.

Gibraltar to get September triple-header underway away at Latvia

Posted on August 31, 2021 by FootballGib

Gibraltar get their latest international triple-header underway tomorrow when they take on Latvia at the Daugava Stadium in Riga.

Photo © Rough & Ready

Julio Ribas’ side travelled to Latvia on the weekend, with Wednesday’s match the first of a tough triple-header that also includes a home tie against Turkey on Saturday, followed by a trip to Norway the following Tuesday. Notable absentees from the squad for tomorrow were Liam Walker and Lee Casciaro, both of whom featured on Thursday in Lincoln’s win over Riga FC, but the pair may join the squad later in this international break, with their game time potentially being managed carefully after a long summer at club level.

One player that joined the team though was Tjay De Barr, with the Wycombe attacker, who came off the bench in their league defeat to Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to Latvia separate from the rest of the team, to ensure he could keep his club commitments. There was also a first ever call up for Lions’ youngster Richard Felipes, while Jayce Olivero returns to the squad after injury, and Joseph Chipolina makes the squad for the first time since a long-term injury he picked up in December 2019.

With a 27-man squad being taken to Riga, and only 23 being able to be named in the matchday squad, Ribas has given himself flexibility in who he chooses for his squad, including in the goalkeeping department, where Bradley Banda, Dayle Coleing, Kyle Goldwin and Jamie Robba will have to compete for the three available goalkeeping spots, as well as the starting position in goal.

For the hosts, Latvia manager Dainis Kazakevics has also named a 27-man squad for their three internationals this month, including five players from the Riga squad who took on Lincoln in the UEFA Europa Confererence League Playoffs this month. The majority of their squad are based in Latvia, but defender Raivis Jurkovskis did join Irish side Dundalk in January of this year, while striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis grabbed 12 goals in 35 games for Polish side Rakow and also scored the winner in their Conference League 3^rd qualifying tie against Rubin Kazan.

Like Gib, Latvia were in League D of the Nations League last time out, but they finished third behind the Faroe Islands and Malta, picking up one win, four draws and a defeat in the process. They have, however, picked up an impressive 3-3 draw away at Turkey in this qualifying group, and therefore sit one point and one position above Gibraltar in the qualifying group.

One thing to note about this game is potential suspensions, with Gibraltar having eight players just one yellow away from missing Saturday’s tie with Turkey – they are Louie Annesley, Erin Barnett, Tjay De Barr, Kyle Goldwin, Aymen Mouelhi, Alain Pons, Kian Ronan and Reece Styche.

Betting*:

The hosts come into this one as odds on favourites, with the best price you can get on Latvia currently 2/7 at the time of writing. The last time the two sides met, Gib won 1-0 in a friendly at the Victoria Stadium, and a repeat of that scoreline is best price 33/1. Gibraltar to win the match outright is a best price of 15/1, while Both Teams To Score is 39/20.

In the goalscorer market, the aforementioned Gutkovskis is 13/10 to score in 90 minutes for the hosts, while for Gib, Reece Styche, who scored vs Montenegro and may be on penalty duty if Joseph Chipolina doesn’t start, is 5/1 anytime scorer. Tjay De Barr is 11/2 to repeat his goalscoring heroics from Wycombe’s EFL Cup game vs Stevenage last week, while if you’re looking for an aerial threat who has shown he can score big goals, Roy Chipolina is a tempting 50/1 to add to his two goals at international level.

* All prices correct as of 12:13 CEST 31^st August 2021, and prices may fluctuate. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ www.begambleaware.org

Match Officials:

The appointed match officials for the game are from Czechia, with referee Pavel Orel a 32-year-old who has officiated in the Europa Conference League this season – he took charge of Lincoln Red Imps’s 1-1 draw with AEK Larnaca in Faro in the 2017/18 Europa League Qualifying, while he even was appointed referee for three matches in the Chinese Super League back in November 2018.

Predicted Lineups:

Latvia – Steinbors; Fjodorovs, Cernomordijs, Oss, Jurkovskis; Tobers, Emsis; Jaunzems, Ikaunieks, Ciganiks; Gutkovskis

Gibraltar – Coleing; Sergeant, Wiseman, R. Chipolina, Olivero; Annesley; Valarino, Torrilla, Ronan, Pons; De Barr

Lincoln discover Europa Conference League group stage opponents

Posted on August 27, 2021 by FootballGib

Lincoln Red Imps have been draw in Group F of the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League, where they will face FC Copenhagen, PAOK & Slovan Bratislava

Photo ©UEFA

Today’s draw, which took place in Istanbul, saw Mick McElwee’s side enter a Group Stage of a European competition for the first time – making history for Gibraltar in the process. The reward for their 4-2 aggregate win over Riga is trips to Copenhagen, Bratislava (a return to Lincoln’s Europa League opponents) & Thessaloniki, as well as hosting said teams at the Victoria Stadium.

The kick-off times for all six fixtures will be confirmed by Saturday morning, with matches expected to take place on 16th September, 30th September, 21st October, 4th November, 25th November and 9th December. FG will bring you all the fixtures when they are confirmed.

Thompson: “I’m delighted to be a part of such an already fantastically run football club”

Posted on August 12, 2021 by FootballGib

FG caught up with Europa’s new Director of Football, David Thompson, to talk about his new club, what he thinks about a Europa title challenge this season and more.

Europa announced Thompson earlier today as their new Director of Football, so we asked him what his first thoughts were on joining the club: “First and foremost, I’m delighted to be a part of such an already fantastically run football club, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. We want to take this to the next level, we want to make sure it’s done in the right way as well. Some people can come in and just try to take over and make too many changes. The club is already run very well; it has a fantastic manager, some great players and we just need to add to that a little bit”.

The 43-year-old, from Birkenhead, had an 11-year spell as a footballer in the English game, after originally coming through the books at Liverpool – so we asked Thompson to give a brief description of his career as a player: “Obviously, I started my career at Liverpool when I was 10, I was there for 12 years and I left in the 2000-01 season, but I played with some magical footballers there in my time (Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen), and they were just the local talent coming through. I played with World Cup winners and European Championship winners, and under some great managers. It has always been a learning experience, and that’s something I want to take into my new role here.”

Europa finished second last season, one point off title-winners Lincoln, and part of Thompson’s new role will be help ensure the club are best equipped for another title challenge in the upcoming season starting in October – so we asked the new Director of Football how confident he is of this being the case? “I’m very confident, I think obviously with Covid last year, we were making improvements and unfortunately Covid and the pandemic came and put a halt to that. So we just need to add to what was going on the previous seasons. If we keep making improvements year on year, then we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with in this league.”

Finally, we asked Thompson how confident he was that he has all the tools required to build a successful long-term strategy for Europa? “I believe I’ve got the experience and knowledge. I’ve come here to obviously learn; I want to learn from the manager (Rafa Escobar). We’re going to do this together; it’s not going to be one person that’s going to change the direction or fortune of this football club – it’s going to be a team effort and that starts with the players and the manager, and comes right through to me and the board. We’re all going to do it together – teamwork as they say makes the dream work.”

For their part, in a press release today, Europa said: “Europa Football Club, in collaboration with Rocksport International Ltd, are excited to announce the appointment of David Thompson as the Club`s Director of Football. David comes with a highly prestigious track record in the English Premier League, having played for European Giants and 6 times winners of the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool Football Club.”

New club CEO, and Board Member Eddie Yome, said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Europa FC with the first team, youth categories and all performing strongly with plenty of development still to come. It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to work alongside David Thompson, Rafa Escobar and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”

Finally, the club wished to express their thanks to Tommy Keaney and Paul Roberts from Rocksport International for their work in this deal. Thompson’s move is the second ex-English footballer to make a move to Gib, after Bruno’s Magpies announced Dean Holdsworth as Technical Director back in June. Europa open their season against rivals Lincoln on Sunda 17^th October.

Lincoln to play Slovan Bratislava in Europa League

Posted on July 29, 2021 by FootballGib

Lincoln will face Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava in the Third Qualifying Round of the Europa League after defeat against Cluj last night in the Champions League.

Lincoln, who travelled to Romania knowing they needed to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat, were not able to convert their numerous chances, while the hosts were more ruthless as they ended up running out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from Mike Cestor and Iceland international Runar Mar Sigurjonsson.

The result may have bought to an end Lincoln’s Champions League journey, but their European journey is far from over, as they now transfer to the Europa League where they will face Slovan Bratislava, who lost 3-2 last night away at Swiss side Young Boys.

The winner of that match will progress to the playoff round of the Europa League, while the loser will move into the playoff round of the Europa Conference League, meaning Lincoln are guaranteed to be the first ever Gibraltarian side to take part in the final qualifying round of any European competition. The draw for the playoff rounds of both tournaments takes place on August 2^nd.

In other Lincoln news, striker Tjay De Barr appeared as a triallist for English League 1 side Wycombe Wanderers, coming on in the second half of a 1-0 victory against FA Cup Champions Leicester City. The 21-year-old, who scored twice in Lincoln’s 5-0 victory over Fola Esch earlier this month, is looking to make the step abroad once again, after an injury-hit spell at Real Oviedo Vetusta.

Five-star Lincoln blow away Fola Esch

Posted on July 14, 2021 by FootballGib

Lincoln Red Imps will face Romanian champions CFR Cluj in the Second Qualifying Round of the Champions League after a 5-0 demolition of CS Fola Esch yesterday at the Victoria Stadium.

Photo (C) David Roberts

Lincoln, who drew the first leg 2-2 in Luxembourg after being 2-0 up, were ruthless on this occasion against their visitors, putting five goals past two different keepers across the 90 minutes to win 7-2 on aggregate.

Mick McElwee started with seven Gibraltarian’s on the pitch, including the returning Chino in goal, while Fola Esch manager Sebastien Grandjean made five changes from the side that drew the first leg – however it did not have anywhere near the desired impact.

Liam Walker’s corner in the first half was headed at goal by Roy Chipolina, and rebound fell kindly to Tjay De Barr to open the scoring for Lincoln. Chipolina then cleared one off the line for his side, before Lincoln doubled their lead on 38 minutes. De Barr, who had a very impressive game, was fouled by keeper Thomas Hym, who was shown a yellow card, and Walker stepped up to double the Lincoln lead.

10 minutes after the break, Lincoln broke free of the Fola Esch defence, and De Barr squared it to Kian Ronan who fired his effort impressively into the top corner and make it 3-0. The tie was all but over already, but it was rubber-stamped when Hym, who had a poor night in goal, gave away a second Lincoln penalty and picked up a second yellow for his troubles. Walker stepped up and fired a second penalty past sub keeper Emanuel Cabral, while there was still time for a 5^th, as Kike unselfishly squared the ball to De Barr for his second of the evening, and Lincoln’s 5^th – the 5-0 scoreline is the biggest by a Gibraltarian team in Europe, surpassing Europa’s 4-0 success against Andorran side Sant Julia in 2019.

Lincoln will now face Romanian champions CFR Cluj, who stumbled through in extra time against Bosnian side Borac. Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Cluj lost 2-0 in 90 minutes but benefitted from the scrapping of the away goals rule – they then won the tie in the 118^th minute. The first leg will be in Gibraltar on Tuesday 20^th July at 6pm, with the second leg in Romania on Wednesday 28^th July at 7:30pm.

An added bonus for Lincoln is that they are guaranteed a minimum of six more matches in Europe this season, and at very worst will reach the playoff stage of the Europa Conference League – should they win one more two-legged tie this season, they will make history and be guaranteed to be first ever Gibraltarian team to qualify for the group stage of a European football competition.