JAMIE Richards’ European dream is over after Linfield suffered defeat in Stockholm against AIK Solna on Thursday night in the Europa League second qualifying round.
The 20 year-old defender, who is currently on loan with the Northern Ireland club until January, played the full game against the Swedish side.Linfield had led 1-0 from the first leg at Mourneview Park last Thursday, but a 2-0 defeat at Solna’s Friends Arena put paid to the Blues’ chances of reaching the next round.
Nigerian striker Kennedy Igboananike opened the scoring on the night after a slip in the box by a Linfield defender 10 minutes after half time. Solna increased their lead 20 minutes from time with a Henok Goltom goal, slotted home from the edge of the box.
After winning the two-legged fixture 2-1 on aggregate, AIK will now go through to the third round on Thursday, July 31, to play FC Astana of Kazakhstan.
Linfield manager – and former Pilgrim - Warren Feeney was nevertheless proud of his team’s performance. He said: “No-one likes getting beaten, but what a performance from the boys. Mistakes did cost us, but I could not criticise any of the players.”