Updated with Hibs game

Birkirkara have improved their chances of reaching the second qualifying round of the Europa Leaguer after holding Bosnian team NK Siroki Brijeg to a 1-1 away draw this evening.

The Stripes, led by Croatian coach Drazen Besek, shocked Siroki after Cain Attard gave them a 15th-minute lead at the Pecara Stadium.

Siroki equalised through Ivan Baraban on the stroke of half-time but Birkirkara maintained their composure to hold out for a draw that will boost their optimism ahead of the second leg at the Hibernians Stadium on Tuesday.

Last year, Birkirkara lost on penalties to West Ham United the second qualifying round of the Europa League after having the better of Armenia's Ulisses in the initial round.

Hibs suffer 3-0 defeat

In the other Europa League match involving Maltese teams, Hibernians suffered a 3-0 defeat to Spartak Trnava in Slovakia.

Cameroonian striker Ndip Tambe hit a brace for Spartak, the first after seven minutes and his second in the latter stages after Martin Mikovic had doubled the lead five minutes from half-time.

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