Motherwell's focus turned back towards Premiership action on Sunday afternoon, as the players tried to register a win against last season's 'bogey side' Falkirk at Fir Park.  A hectic and congested fixture schedule wasn't used as an excuse by Alfred Johansson at full time following the stalemate with Falkirk; instead, the manager sees the afternoon's performance as one that is a marker for how this group of players are still building up a connection with each other.

The manager gives his views on a goalless draw with Falkirk at Fir Park.

Full Match Replay | Motherwell v Falkirk

It was more UEFA Conference League action for Motherwell, who travelled to HJK Helsinki with a depleted squad due to injuries. But despite the low numbers, the MFC squad went into the first leg with 600 sold-out away-end fans behind them. The first half saw HJK have the majority of the chances, but having grown into the game, Motherwell came out all guns blazing in the second-half, striking the woodwork twice. Eventually, a penalty would be awarded, which Tawanda Maswanhise dispatched, sending the away end into rapture. Teemu Pukki equalised for the hosts, who now have to travel to Scotland in the second leg in what could be a very special night at Fir Park.

Alfred Johansson speaks following drawing 1-1 with HJK Helsinki. The draw means it is all to play for in the second-leg, which takes place at Fir Park next week.

Manager Alfred Johansson and Willy Vogt speak to the media ahead of the UEFA Conference League clash against HJK Helsinki.

It was a tough ask for Motherwell to go to Easter Road on the opening day of the season and get a win, and throwing in European action two nights prior in the Faroe Islands made the ask even tougher. But Alfred Johansson was confident in his side's ability, and when Lukas Fadinger opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first-half, the travelling Motherwell fans believed. Their belief was tainted when Martin Boyle levelled the game and the Hibees piled on the pressure for ten minutes, but the Steelmen stuck together and remained firmly in the contest. And when the decisive moment arrived with just minutes remaining, the Motherwell fans went mental in the away end, and Ibrahim Said peeled away in celebration as the Nigerian secured Motherwell's first win on the opening day for four years.

A late Ibrahim Said goal gave the Steelmen all three points to open the season away at Easter Road.