Hughes begins with a win as Petrov and Hamann strike down part-timers

Mark Hughes steered a safe passage through his potentially difficult first game as the Manchester City manager with a comfortable UEFA Cup qualifying round victory over these eager Faroe Islands part-timers.

Stylish first-half goals from Martin Petrov and Didi Hamann emphasised the difference in quality but Streymur's collection of students, teachers and the odd full-time Dane were never overwhelmed by their task.

City bonus: Dietmar Hamann is congratulated on his goal by Stephen Ireland

Nevertheless, Hughes left nothing to chance by fielding his big hitters and the Faroese can expect to ship more goals when they turn up at Barnsley's Oakwell for the second leg in a fortnight.

City's wayward shooting will have been honed by then under Hughes's demanding backroom team, while Streymur have now started their mid-season break after a fourth successive defeat that will not help their morale.

Hughes said: 'Overall I was pleased. You are never quite sure what you are going to come up against in these games, but we had two fantastic strikes and we created good chances.

'I think their manager had a few words to say at half-time and they came out with more resolve, making us a bit more anxious. But I would expect another positive result in the second leg. We will have two more weeks together and the players will be fitter.'

The Faroese summer was kind to City, and drizzly gloom had given way to blazing sunshine on this northern outpost, but Hughes had already prepared his side for the possibility of a tough assignment.

Indeed, his line-up was so strong - Jo making his debut after an £18million arrival from CSKA Moscow - that City had no problems in stamping their class.

Lady in red: Nicole Petignat took charge in Torshavn

Darius Vassell forced a fine save at the foot of the post from car mechanic goalkeeper Rene Torgard before winger Petrov hit the first goal of Hughes's reign.

Stephen Ireland fed former England striker Vassell, who turned to prod a ball across the penalty area. Michael Johnson stepped over it and Petrov drilled an angled shot beyond Torgard.

That goal after nine minutes settled any City nerves and a tremendous strike after 28 minutes from Hamann, who volleyed City's second after Petrov's corner was half-cleared, provided the cushion.

If City did not hit top gear it was because they had no need and at times the tie had the feel of a pre-season friendly as Streymur's gallant if limited efforts faltered on the twin rocks of Richard Dunne and Micah Richards.

Richards was a mite rusty in his first game since February following knee surgery - Nedum Onuoha was also back after dislocating a shoulder in April - but, despite their Inter Milan-style strip, Streymur lacked guile.

They did have their moments in the second half as City seemed to relax - Joe Hart fumbled a well-struck free kick from Barour Olsen and the 5,400 crowd perked up.

Referee Nicole Petignat, who handled her first UEFA Cup tie five years ago, booked Johnson. But City effectively booking their place in the next round was of far greater concern to Hughes.

EB/STREYMUR (4-5-1): Torgard; Olsen, Bo, Djurhuus, Niclassen; A Hansen, L Hanssen, Clementsen, Jacobsen (Olsen 76min), Samuelsen (Eliasen 77); Foldgast (Davidsen 85).

MAN CITY (4-4-2): Hart; Ball, Dunne, Richards, Onuoha; Ireland, Hamann (Gelson 74), Johnson, Petrov; Vassell, Jo (Evans 74). Booked: Johnson.

Referee: N Petignat (Swi).