Hearts left broken as Maltese side deal knockout blow on Gorgie

Hearts' European hopes ended with a surprise 2-1 defeat by Birkirkara on a night of frustration at Tynecastle.

It looked like the Gorgie side had done the hard bit in their Europa League second qualifier by leaving Malta lastweekwith agoalless draw.

However, in a scrappy first 45 minutes, attacker Jamie Walker hit the bar before midfielder Prince Buaben had a weak penalty saved by visiting goal- keeper Miroslav Kopric. In the 55th minute, defender Christian Bubalovic stunned the home support when he drove the visitors ahead before Edward Herrera grabbed a second 12 minutes later to send their 56 travelling supporters wild with delight and, although forward Conor Sammon reduced the deficit in the 74th minute it turned out to be no more than a consolation, with some Jambos supporters booing their side off at the final whistle.

The warning signs were there early for Hearts.

The Maltese side started with some confidence and Gorgie goalkeeper Jack Hamilton had to parry a whipped in cross from Vito Plut before instantly making a point-blank save from Pierre Shaun Bajada.

It became clear that a robust Birkirkara were not going to be pushovers but in the 27th minute the Gorgie men came close to getting the breakthrough.

Callum Paterson, playing in midfield, got the break of the ball on the right-hand side and his floated cross was met by Walker, whose acrobatic shot beat Kopric but crashed off the bar.

OVER AND OUT: Sam Nicholson is left with that sinking feeling as Hearts tumble out of the Europe last night