Birkirkara were on the verge of creating one of the biggest shocks of European club football in London yesterday as they were drawing 0-0 against English Premier League side West Ham with added time already started.
But a Tomkins goal put paid to their hopes of that surprise result as they had to bow to their otherwise superior, though disappointing West Ham side.
Stri[es coach Giovanni Tedesco was able to include international goalkeeper Justin Haber who had been injured in the first leg of the goalless draw against FC Ulisses of Armenia in the first round of the Europa league qualifiyng stage.
Despite looking suspect throughout, he kept his goal intact till that 90th minute goal from Tomkins. He made some good saves, especially on two efforts from Maiga.
The goal was a great relief for the London side as they were frustrated by the gallant Stripes who earned the plaudits for a great effort.
As was predicted, it turned out to be a difficult match for Tedesco’s side, but despite the late goal, they came out of the ordeal with flying colours.
Somehow or other they managed to keep the Londoners at bay in the first half as the result remained goalless.
The English side dominated possession for long periods, but the Stripes defence looked well organised. While West Ham had nine goal attempts, including three on target saved by Haber, Birkirkara had none.
There was a frantic ending to the first half as the Londoners pressed for a goal before the interval. In the 41st minute, Haber was called into action, saving a freekick from Zarate. A minute later, Cresswell took another freekick but Nolan missed the target. Moments later, it was again Haber who denied Amalfinato with another save.
In the second half the Stripes looked even better than the first half and the 33,000 strong crowd at Upton Park even started booing their favourites until they finally got that late goal which has now put them in a strong position.
Midway through, Miccoli showed good energy to burst forward and create a halfchance of an opportunity but Tomkins managed to get back and help the ball back to Adrian.
Soon after, Birkirkara nearly open the scoring in the 67th minute. It was a lightning break up field and Liliu had a chance to test Adrian from a tight angle but sent the ball wide of the post. It was a let off for the West Ham.
The goal arrived following a lapse by Haber who missed a corner, the ball bobbled around before Tomkins headed the ball home.
On BBC Radio London, former West Ham midfielder John Moncur was heard saying “hard work and organisation go a long way. Birkirkara have really impressed me in the second half.”
And a Sky Sports correspondent said: “West Ham get the victory but it was hard work. Tomkins forced home a late winner after a Zarate corner. The visitors were limited but were well organised, especially in the second half. Not a night to remember for the Hammers.”