It was a stalemate for Derry City in Torshavn as the Candystripes drew a blank, 0-0, despite an impressive second half performance against their Faroese opponents in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference this evening.

After their hosts had started at a blistering pace the Irish side found themselves in the ascendancy in the second period but just couldn’t find the breakthrough.

After their disappointing exit in the first round of the UEFA Conference League last year at the hands of Riga FC, Derry came into this first leg encounter with a point to prove.

The hosts though started the brightest and made all the early running as Derry struggled to deal with the pace and intensity of the Faroese side.

Torshavn almost broke the deadlock but just when it looked like they’d found the opener the post came to Brian Maher’s rescue.

On the half hour mark Derry almost found the lead goal, Paul McMullen finding himself on the end of a lovely move for the Northern Irish side but his effort always going over the bar.

Two minutes later it was Cameron Dummigan who saw his effort well stopped by Mork in the Torshavn goal.

It was the home side though who finished the first half the stronger with a fabulous move down the left hand side and a rocket of a cross met by Dan i Soylu but Brian Maher pulled off a phenomenal stop to keep his side in the game.

Ruaidhri Higgins rang the changes at the break with Will Patching and Jamie McGonigle giving the visitors a higher level of intensity for the second period.

Ten minutes into the second half it was McGonigle who found an inch of space but the post saved the home team from going behind. The same player almost found the breakthrough after a great assist from McMullan but Mork was equal to the effort.

Substitute McEleney almost caught the keeper out from distance with 20 minutes left on the clock but against the run of play Maher came to the rescue with a punch and excellent follow up save to keep the game scoreless.

McGonigle would have the last opportunity but once again wasn’t able to break the deadlock and as the referee blew the final whistle of the game Higgins and his side will be happy to bring the second leg back to The Brandywell again next week.