Lennon counts cost of missed opportunities

NEIL LENNON admitted wasteful Hibernian were the architects of their own Europa League downfall after crashing away to Molde. But he insisted his players can hold their heads high after their efforts meant the club had played in three rounds of European football for the first time in 46 years. Two goals from £9millionrated striker Erling Braut Haland, either side of a Fredrik Aursnes goal, sent the Norwegians into a play-off round tie with Russians Zenit St Petersburg. ‘The most disappointing aspect was that we didn’t score tonight,’ said Lennon after Martin Boyle squandered two decent chances at 1-0 down. ‘We had a really good spell when we should have scored. ‘Martin Boyle got in a couple of times and we should have done better. A goal then would have changed the psychology and complexion of the tie. Their

second goal was the killer. We threw caution to the wind after that and the third goal was academic. ‘I felt 3-0 flattered Molde. I always felt we were in the tie. ‘The bottom line is that we created good chances over the two legs and we only have ourselves to blame. We’ve let this one slip. ‘I had aspirations of making the group stage but it’s not to be. ‘A few of the players will have some regrets. ‘But it’s still very early in our season and the boys can be proud of their efforts. We’ve competed very well in Europe.’ However, Lennon, whose team went into the second leg following a 0-0 draw at Easter Road last week, warned that new players must arrive in Leith before the summer transfer window closes. His need to strengthen was magnified by the sight of influential midfielder Marvin Bartley limping off with a hamstring injury last night. The 32-year-old Englishman could be sidelined for up to eight weeks. ‘I think we need more investment,’ added Lennon. ‘We need to bring in a couple more players because the squad is definitely thin. ‘We’ve lost our best player (John McGinn to Aston Villa) and I’ve had to use some younger players in Europe, although it’s been a good experience for them. ‘But you could see some of them physically wilting towards the end. ‘I thought Haland was the difference between the two teams. You can see why he is a very sought-after player. ‘But I can’t berate my players. Molde are a good side and I wish them well in the competition.’ Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believed the artificial pitch at the Aker Stadion had helped the Norwegians — and the Manchester United legend also agreed that the final 3-0 scoreline flattered his side. ‘Hibs made it hard for us,’ said Solskjaer. ‘They have pace and strength up front and they never allowed us to settle. ‘The plastic pitch was an advantage for us and we rode our luck a little bit.’ The Norwegians now meet Zenit, who produced an extraordinary comeback after losing their first leg 4-0 to Dinamo Minsk to win 8-1 on the night after extra time and progress to the play-off round 8-5 on aggregate.