MANCHESTER City had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank as they fortuitously progressed to the Uefa Cup first round with a penalty shoot-out victory over FC Midtjylland.
Having lost 1-0 in the first leg at Eastlands earlier this month, City knew the size of the task ahead in their second qualifying round return leg at the SAS Arena in Herning.
But after an abject display in normal time, it was only an own goal by
defender Danny Califf in the 89th minute which forced extra-time and extended their interest in the competition. And when Hart saved two penalties in the shoot-out, it was left to Vedran Corluka to stroke home the kick to spare City's blushes.
City manager Mark Hughes was delighted to celebrate "a positive day all round" after also re-signing Shaun Wright-Phillips, but was also relieved to have progressed.
He said: "There are no easy games; it's a cliche but in Europe there aren't. Look at the events of last night with Liverpool. We showed a lot of character and I saw qualities and values in the team I really liked."
Aston Villa are through to the first round proper for the first time in seven years despite being held by Icelandic part-timers Hafnarfjordur in a low-key second leg at Villa Park.
Craig Gardner put Martin O'Neill's side ahead after 27 minutes but their opponents levelled three minutes later through Atli Bjornsson.
The expected goal rush did not materialise after a bright start from Villa, who had effectively wrapped up the tie a fortnight ago.
Two goals in the last four minutes ensured St Patrick's advanced into the knockout stages after a 2-1 win completed a 4-3 aggregate victory over IF Elsborg, who beat Hibs in the Intertoto Cup. The sides drew 2-2 two weeks ago in Sweden with St Patrick's coming back from two goals down to claim the vital away goals and the upper hand in the second qualifying round tie. However, it was the visitors who took the lead at Richmond Park midway through the second half through Stefan Ishizaki and were on the brink of progressing until Jason Gavin scored four minutes from time to level the score on the night.
The goal turned the tie on its head with the Irish now in pole position courtesy of their superior away goals and qualification was assured when Mark Quigley scored in the final minute to secure a 4-3 win.
Omonia Nicosia dumped AEK Athens as their 2-2 draw at home against nine men gave them a 3-2 aggregate win.
The full article contains 448 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
