SAINTS STROLLING BACK THE YEARS

Buddies turn on style for first Paisley Euro night since 1987

- GRAEME MACPHERSON

ST MIRREN partied like it was 1987 as they thrashed Valur to mark their Euro return with a stunning win.

It was the first continental clash in Paisley for 37 years but goals from Shaun Rooney, Toyosi Olusanya, Mark O'Hara and Alex Iacovitti ensured it will be just seven days before the next one.

It was a night to remember for Stephen Robinson's men in front of a bumper, sell-out crowd, with Saints marching into the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

They will now take on Brann Bergen from Norway - with the first leg at home next Thursday evening.

Saints handed a competitive debut to Rooney as one of four changes from last week's 0-0 draw in Reykjavik.

Former Everton star Gylfi Sigurdsson didn't travel to Scotland as he nursed an injury with Valur also without skipper Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and the suspended Aron Johansson as they looked to upset the Paisley party.

The home fans had waited a long time for this night.

They marched in their thousands from the town centre to the stadium in glorious sunshine then unveiled a display that stretched across four stands.