At about the same time as Ronaldinho, Manchester City's former transfer target, was being presented by AC Milan at the salubrious San Siro, City celebrated the first match of Mark Hughes's reign last night with a workmanlike victory over amateur opposition in front of 5,400 fans in this Uefa Cup first qualifying round, first leg.

Goals from Martin Petrov and Dietmar Hamann put the visiting team in control, but there was little else of note from City, although Hughes has made no apologies for treating this European campaign as part of his pre-season preparations and the start of the Barclays Premier League is a month away.

Hughes did not pretend that it was a perfect performance in a match that was overseen by Nicole Petignat, the female Swiss referee, but he was able to reflect on a job that was moderately well done, although the second period threw up some uncomfortable moments. “On another day we could have converted more chances than we did, but maybe we were a little bit guilty of protecting what we had and they tried to force the issue,” Hughes said. “But we were quite comfortable and saw the game out comfortably. You have to come here with the right attitude or you get embarrassed and we weren't prepared to let that happen.”

City have little to fear from this collection of electricians, mechanics and policemen in the second leg, which will take place at Oakwell, home of Barnsley, in a fortnight's time because the City of Manchester Stadium's pitch is unfit after several summer events. The Faeroes side did, however, provide some tense moments in the early stages at the Torsvollur Stadium. Making his return from five months out with a knee injury, Micah Richards, the defender, was beaten in the air by Peter Foldgast, who then had a low drive held by Joe Hart, the City goalkeeper.

It was left to Petrov to illustrate the difference between the teams. He planted a firm shot into the top corner after Michael Johnson had run over Darius Vassell's pass. Jô, the Brazil striker, missed a good opportunity on his City debut, but Hamann added a second goal when he guided a volley into the net from just outside the area.