Shelbourne pay for missed chances

Shelbourne suffered a humiliating Champions League defeat as they were beaten by unfancied Malta Hibernians in last night's preliminary…

Shelbourne suffered a humiliating Champions League defeat as they were beaten by unfancied Malta Hibernians in last night's preliminary round second leg tie.

Nigerian-born Ndubis Chukkunyere scored a dramatic winner in the first minute of added time at Tolka Park as Shelbourne failed to capitalise on last week's 2-2 draw away from home.

This was the first away win in the European Competition by the Maltese side in 26 attempts. Hibernians can now look forward to a second-round tie against Portuguese giants Boavista next week.

Keeper Mario Muscat was the Maltese hero with a string of good saves. But that was still no excuse for Shelbourne, who squandered goal scoring opportunities - striker Trevor Molloy missing three chances.

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Shelbourne player-coach Pat Fenlon said: "I am sick for the lads. We had at least five chances but didn't put them away.

"The team made a huge effort out in the heat and humidity of Malta last week and it was the same at Tolka in the second leg and we got punished for missing those chances. It was a hard lesson to learn".

Elsewhere, Portadown fought hard but went down 3-2 to Belarussian club Belshina Borbruisk.