Vindicated Aquilina says Wanderers can do it

Edward Aquilina's optimism before yesterday's first leg of the Champions League first qualifying round between Sliema Wanderers and FC Skonto has been utterly vindicated as the Blues obtained a 2-0 victory.

"I am particularly delighted about the high level of tactical discipline shown by my players," Aquilina said.

"Daniel Bogdanovic and Stefan Giglio, our two new acquisitions, left a positive effect as underlined by the team's commanding performance and result.

"In the lead-up to the match, I was very upbeat about our chances of beating FC Skonto and the performance has justified my optimism."

Aquilina knows that a tougher test awaits his team in Latvia next Wednesday but yesterday's victory has rightly enhanced his positive approach.

"FC Skonto will be a different team in Riga but today we showed that we have what it takes to move into the next round. The good thing about our 2-0 victory is that an away goal would put us firmly on course for qualification."

Aquilina was the coach of Valletta when they defeated FC Skonto 1-0 at Ta' Qali but were knocked out of the Champions League after an away 2-0 defeat. The former City coach regards yesterday's 2-0 victory as his best result in Europe.

"To win with a two-goal margin against an improved FC Skonto must rank as a bigger achievement," he remarked.

Aquilina is not planning to make any changes to his formation for the return leg.

"We still have to check the physical condition of the players but on the back of their showing here, these players deserve to start the match in Latvia if they are all fit."

Danes FC Copenhagen await the winner of the Sliema-FC Skonto tie in the second qualifying round.

Hibs Ground... certificate of approval

Sliema's success was not the only positive outcome from yesterday's Champions League qualifier.

Earlier in the day, UEFA delegate Manos Mavrokoupolis had inspected the pitch and surroundings of the Corradino stadium and gave his go-ahead for the European Cup match to be played at the venue where seating facilities have just been installed.

The official, from the Greek FA, said the Hibs Ground was up to standard and had qualified to host Champions League matches.