Hibernians seek to avoid another drubbing

This evening (kick-off 8 p.m.) Hibernians will be looking to avoid a drubbing when they play the second leg of the Intertoto Cup first round against NK Gorica, having lost the home match to the Slovenians 3-0.

With the issue of qualification all but settled following Gorica's convincing victory at the Hibs Ground , the Paolites' only objective today will be to leave the Sportni Park of Nova Gorica with a satisfactory result to restore some lost pride.

"Our main objective is to bow out with a better result," Gatt said.

"Although qualification is out of reach, we want to produce a better showing than the first leg. In Malta, Gorica took all their chances to make sure of victory but we know we can provide a sterner challenge.

"Besides, the match will also be another ideal opportunity for some of the upcoming players to show that they are ready to step into our first team next season. This competition is a valuable experience for their development and hopefully they will be up to the task."

Gatt has retained the same group of players that took part in the opening leg with Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe the only overseas player in the squad. Argentine Pablo Doffo, who skipped the first leg through suspension, and Cameroon's Abade Fish were not in the contingent.

The winners of this tie will meet Bulgaria's Chernomorets Burgas in the second round (July 5 and 13).

Meanwhile, looking at other scores from last weekend's first legs, Ireland's Bohemians and Elfsborg, of Sweden, look almost sure of qualification following emphatic victories. The former scored a resounding 5-1 home win over Rhyls, of Wales, while Elfsborg won 4-1 at HB Torshavn, of the Faroe Islands.

First round, second legs

Today: Tiraspol vs Mika (2-2); Lok. Tbilisi vs Etzella (0-0); Nitra vs Neftci (0-2); NK Gorica vs Hibs (3-0); Renova vs Rijeka (0-0); Grbalj vs Celik (2-3); Rhyl vs Bohemians (1-5); E. Achnas vs Besa (0-0); Honved vs Zhetysu (2-1); Elfsborg vs HB Torshavn (4-1); Trans vs Ekranas (0-1).

Tomorrow: TPS vs Lisburn (3-2); Fylkir vs FK Riga (2-1); S. Soligorsk vs Cracovia (2-1).