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Joachim Soltvedt slotted Brann ahead after just five minutes St Mirren’s European adventure ended in cruel fashion as they suffered a devastating defeat away to Brann in the Conference League third qualifying round. Joachim Soltvedt rolled in the opener five minutes in after a cute cutback to put Stephen Robinson’s side 2-1 behind on aggregate early on. Searching for their first win away on the continent for 44 years, St Mirren didn’t go down without a fight, as Oisin Smyth’s wonderful volley was well saved and Richard Taylor’s close-range header flew too high. As the game went on, it grew incredibly open in the relentless rain and the scent of a St Mirren equaliser was in the air. They were a threat from set-pieces all night, and substitutes Fraser Taylor and Alex Iacovitti linked up, with the latter thunderously heading the visitors level with just over 15 minutes left. With the wind in their sails, it seemed that if any team might grab victory it would be St Mirren. Mikael Mandron picked up a hooked ball down the left to charge into the box and searched for Toyosi Olusanya. But the striker, who put in a tireless shift, slipped in untimely fashion and the chance was squandered. Small margins at this level count, and Brann's patient play and lack of panic proved crucial. Felix Myhre powered a heartbreaking header beyond Ellery Balcombe with five minutes left, before Aune Heggebo capitalised on the visitors' collapse with Brann's third on the night. The Norwegians now progress to the play-off round where they will face Astana of Kazakhstan. Reaction & as it happened Keep up to date with St Mirren views, news and analysis Manager Robinson did not shy away from saying his side had to up the ante if they wanted to keep adding stamps to their passports. He noted their bravery, their pace and their ability on the ball. Three qualities Brann showed within five minutes of kick-off. Though it was the worst possible start for the Buddies, they did not buckle. Before they fell behind, Shaun Rooney had shanked a glorious close-range effort and while the visitors were under the cosh for much of the first half, they were hardly torn apart. In the second, they were clearly on top and deservedly levelled. Despite their inexperience at this level, they were confident in their play and everything Robinson called for was implemented in a marked improvement from last week’s show. St Mirren were brave, but when they maybe sniffed a vulnerability in Brann, the Norwegian hosts instead pounced in clinical fashion. For the travelling support, their trips abroad - for now - are over. They will not forget the scenes that unfolded at Iacovitti's equaliser any time soon and can bounce back to Paisley with pride. If the second-half performance is anything to go by, the passports will not be away for long. St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "I wrote one word on the board before the game, and that was belief. I said the only mistake you can make tonight is not believing in yourselves because we are good enough to get a result. "Levels wise, they are a very, very good side with a great manager and in a brilliant city. The goals we concede, that's the big disappointment, every goal is preventable. "But, we put a performance in tonight that done me and the players proud, it done us justice. " Last Updated 29th May 2024 at 22: 41 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Eirik Horneland Manager: Stephen Robinson UEFA Conference League All competitions All competitions All competitions Goal! Brann 1, St. Mirren 0. Joachim Soltvedt (Brann) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up. © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.