Hamrun Spartans rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round at the við Djúpumýru in Klaksvik on Thursday.
All in all it was a most positive result considering the ordeal the Spartans contingent went through. After having their flight to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday delayed till Wednesday morning due to fog, the pilot on Flight C3310 had to divert the flight to Bergen in Norway and after having to stay for a couple of hours on the plane, the Hamrun squad was allowed to leave the plane with the club having to do makeshift arrangements with regards to accommodation in Norway. They were then due to leave Bergen on Thursday morning but following another delay, they finally arrived in Vagar Airport at 11:39 – just eight hours before kick-off.
New Hamrun head coach Stefano Sanderra named new signings Jake Grech, Jack Ipalibo, Tobias Bjornstad, Messie Biatoumoussoka and Lucas VIllela in the starting line-up with Ante Coric and Emmanuel Ernest being included as substitutes.
Runavik managed to take the lead on 25 minutes when off a Jann Benjaminsen corner, captain Petur Knudsen beat goalkeeper Celio with a great header.
However, Hamrun managed to level matters eleven minutes in the second half when off an assist by Lucas Villela, Tobias Bjornstad beat goalkeeper Tom Amos with a first time effort which gave him no chance.
The return match will be played at the Centenary Stadium on July 16, kick-off at 19:30. Should Hamrun reach the second qualifying round, they would be facing FC Koper of Slovenia with the first leg played at home.
RUNAVIK: Tom Amos, Alex Freyr Elisson (Filip Drinic 15), Daniel Obbekjaer, Viljormur Davidsen, Jann Benjaminsen, Beinir Nolsoe, Michal Przybylski, Eli Joensen, Marius Lindh (Sammy Skytte 83), Tobias Hestad (Aron Knudsen 61), Petur Knudsen.
HAMRUN: Celio, Rafael Compri, Emerson Marcelina (Kean Scicluna 79), Vincenzo Polito, Jake Grech, Jack Ipalibo, Matthew Guillaumier, Tobias Bjornstad, Messie Biatoumoussoka, Lucas Villela (Ante Coric 65), Damir Ceter (Emmanuel Ernest 79).
Referee: Kevin O’ Sullivan (IRE)
Assistant Referees: Darragh Keegan, Eoin Michael Harte (IRE)
Fourth Official: Lucas Keating (IRE)