Birkirkara hold firm to earn a 0-0 draw

Hearts started on the attack and had a goal disallowed after just three minutes. Sammon received the ball in the goal area and finished behind Kopric. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside.

Despite this early chance, Birkirkara managed to control the Scottish team throughout the first half as both teams lacked opportunities on goal.

During the second half, Hearts kept on putting pressure on the stripes in their pursuit for an away goal.They went close on the 62nd minute when Öztürk fired a shot from distance that hit the woodwork.

The Scottish side had another opportunity on the 80th minute after Walker sent a dangerous cross from a corner which Kopric could only tip. The ball fell to Paterson who fired a shot that missed the target.

Despite such chances, Birkirkara’s defence held firm to gain a 0-0 draw against the Scottish team.

The second leg will be played on the 21st of July at nine o’clock.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Koprić, Bubalovic, Sciberras(C), Marcelina, Dimitrov, Plut, Bajada, J. Zerafa, Scicluna, Attard, Guillaumier.

Hearts starting line-up: Hamilton, Paterson, Rherras, Igor Rossi, Alim Öztürk(C), Kitchen, Walker, Buaben, Djoum, Sammon, Smith.

Yellow cards

Marcelina (Birkirkara), Bajada (Birkirkara), Paterson (Hearts), Djoum (Hearts).

Referee

Ivaylo Stoyanov (BUL)