Birkirkara 0
Hearts     0

Birkirkara will travel to Scotland next week with their hopes of advancing to the third qualifying round of the Europa League intact after holding Hearts to a goalless draw at the Hibs Stadium this evening.

In a game of few scoring chances, the Stripes showed great character and tactical discipline to keep this unimpressive Hearts team at bay.

While Birkirkara's failure to get a goal in the home match will be viewed as a minor setback, the fact that they kept a clean sheet is a plus as a goal in the return leg today week could change the balance of this tie.

A low-key first half produced few scoring chances with Birkirkara showing signs of improvement towards the end.

Hearts striker Conor Sammon had the ball in the net after just three minutes but he had been flagged offside.

Birkirkara responded with a Srdan Dimitrov cross-shot, from a free-kick, which was saved in two attempts by Jack Hamilton, the Hearts goalkeeper.

Christian Bubalovic, the Birkirkara defender, needed medical attention after a clash of heads with Sammon left him with a cut on his forehead.

Late in the first half, Birkirkara midfielder Ryan Scicluna did well to find space in the box as he latched on to a long pass but his effort hit the side-netting.

On the hour, Birkirkara were lucky not to fall behind as Alim Ozturk's fierce drive from the distance hit the crossbar.

Moments later, the Stripes had a chance of their own when an excellent cross from Shaun Bajada was met by striker Vito Plut but his header was wide.

Hearts seized the initiative as the second half progressed but Birkirkara refused to fold.

Callum Paterson had a scrambled effort going wide after Kopric had partially cleared a Walker corner.