Zboncák seals progress for Slovan

Martin Zboncák's second-half goal helped FC Slovan Liberec through to the UEFA Cup second round after beating FC Dinamo Tbilisi 4-2 on aggregate.

Home support
Even the support of 30,000 fans at the Georgian capital's national stadium could not help Dinamo, who trailed 3-2 from the first leg in the Czech Republic. Dinamo attacked from the off, and had an early chance when Alexandre Gogberishvili's sharp pass allowed Carlos Alberto da Rocha an effort on goal, but the Brazilian was denied by Slovan goalkeeper Antonín Kinský.

Header ruled out
However, Slovan proved able to contain Dinamo, and after half-time started to create opportunities of their own. Petr Lukáš had the ball in the net for the visitors nine minutes into the second period, but his header was ruled out by Latvian referee Romans Lajuks.

Penalty miss
Dinamo had a golden opportunity soon afterwards when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Irakli Samkharadze, but Vladimer Burduli missed from the spot. That proved costly as Zbonák broke the deadlock on the night in the 64th minute following a cross from Juraj Ancic.

Confident Škorpil
Delighted Slovan coach Ladislav Škorpil declared after the game that his side could go one better than last season and reach the semi-finals, adding: "We have to thank our goalkeeper for today, as Dinamo kept this game alive until the very last minute."

'A single mistake'
Beaten coach Ivo Šušak said: "I am happy with my team. We played a very good side, and we played well. However, a single mistake pays when you play such a good side."

Sour note
On a less happy note, three policemen were taken to hospital after being hit by stones and bottles thrown from the stands.