A goal by Matthew Guillaumier on the half-hour handed Hamrun Spartans a shock win over FK Velez Mostar of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round at the Stadion Grbavica in Sarajevo.
The Spartans now just need to avoid a defeat as they host Velez at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 20:00, to set-up a clash with either Levski Sofia of Bulgaria or Greek giants PAOK in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Levski won the first leg 2-0.
The all-important goal arrived on the 30th minute when off a freekick by Dodo, the goalkeper blocked Elvis Mashike’s effort onto the upright and off the rebound, Matthew Guillaumier deposited the ball at the back of the net.
VELEZ Slavisa Bogdanovic, Alen Dejanovic, Samir Zeljkovic, Frane Ikic, Antonio Pavic (58 Djorde Panteljic), Dino Hasanovic (58 Jovan Blagojevic), Samir Radovac, Emir Halilovic, Mehmed Cosic, Nermin Haskic, Nemanja Andusic (80 Arman Dzankovic).
HAMRUN Henry Bonello, Ognjen Bjelicic, Emerson Marcelina, Steve Borg, Ryan Camenzuli, Matthew Guillaumier, Roko Prsa, Juan Corbalan, Ailton Jorge Soares ‘Dodo’ (85’ Ederson Bruno Domingos), Elvis Mashike (73’ Igor Nedeljkovic), Jonny (63’ Moussa Souwe).
Referee: Andrew Davey (NIR)
Assistant Referees: Georgios Argyropoulos, Stephen Bell NIR
Fourth Official: Christopher Morrison NIR