Spartak Trnava prove too strong for Hibernians

UEFA-Europa-LeagueFollowing a comfortable 4-2 win at Ta’ Qali, Spartak Trnava marched on to a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League thanks to a fine 5-0 win over Hibernians at the Štadión FC ViOn in Zlaté Moravce for a 9-2 aggregate score to set up a clash with FC Zestafoni of Georgia.

With Jonathan Pearson, Jackson Lima and Edison Luis dos Santos all ruled out, Hibs coach Branko Nisevic had to rely on some of the younger players in the squad.

As expected, the hosts held the initiative right from the start, taking the lead through Martin Mikovič on the 12th minute. Erik Sabo doubled the score on 21 minutes and seven minutes later, Ján Vlasko scored the third goal.

Five minutes from time, substitute Tomáš Mikinič scored the fourth goal with Erik Sabo sealing the issue with a fifth goal two minutes in added time.

SPARTAK TRNAVA Matej Strapák, Marek Janečka, Martin Mikovič (64′ Tomáš Mikinič), Ján Vlasko, Ján Chovanec, Milan Bortel, Martin Tóth (46′ Patrik Banovič), Matúš Čonka, Erik Sabo, Ivan Schranz (59′ Nikolas Špalek), Kamil Kuzma.

HIBS Daniel Balzan, Timothy Tabone Desira, Rui Da Gracia, Rodolfo Soares, Marcelo Dias, Andrew Cohen, Bjorn Kristensen, Clayton Failla, Brandon Muscat (65′ Jurgen Degabriele), Johan Bezzina, Jean Paul Farrugia.

Referee: Nerijus Dunauskas (LTU)