Soligorsk              1
Hibernians           0

Soligorsk : A. Klimovich, N. Antic, E. Bakaj, I. Burko, M. Ebong (M. Tatarkov), V. Gromyko, V. Khvashchinskiy (N. Yanusch), Y. Kovalev, S. Matvejchik, A. Sachivko, J. Szoke.

Hibernians: M. Jovicic, A. Agius, F. Apap, Marcio, T. Desira, J. Grech (J. Wemmer), T. Groothusen, B. Kristensen, J. Mbong, L. Nanni (D. Xuereb), D. Vella.

Referee: J. Kaludjerovic (Montenegro)

Scorer: V. Gromyko 69'

Yellow cards: F. Apap, L. Nanni, B. Kristensen

Hibernians suffered a 1-0 defeat against Shakhtyor Soligorsk in Belarus, a result that leaves Hibernians with a good chance of turning the result in their favour after the second leg in Malta next week.

It will still be a difficult task for the locals who withstood the pressure for long stretches yesterday. Shakhtyor had more possession of the ball and more attempts at goal than the locals. Hibernians however missed two good opportunities late in the game.

After a blank sheet in the first half Shakhtyor scored the all important goal on 69 minutes through Valeri Gromyko.