Ambrosius inspires classy Kärnten

FC Kärnten 4-2 FHK Liepajas Metalurgs (Kärnten win 6-2 on aggregate)
A hat-trick from Thomas Ambrosius helped FC Kärnten ease into the first round of the UEFA Cup with a comprehensive victory over FHK Metalurgs Liepajas tonight.

Great start
The Austrian side, already leading 2-0 from the first leg, got off to a great start when Ambrosius latched on to a half-cleared corner to rifle an 18-metre effort into the bottom corner after 12 minutes.

Solo run
The visitors hit back six minutes later when Aleksandr Katasonov capped a fine run from inside his own half with a wonderful finish. But the lively Ambrosius went close with a header before he made it 2-1 nine minutes after half-time, heading Thomas Höller's corner into the Latvian side’s net.

Ambrosius instrumental
Stanko Bubalo added a third for Kärnten with a 15-metre strike before Ambrosius, who was instrumental for the hosts, completed his hat-trick with a neat lob over the goalkeeper 16 minutes from full time.

Late consolation
Liepajas, to their credit, refused to throw in the towel and continued to press, reaping their reward on 83 minutes when Sergejs Ivanovs lashed the ball into the Kärnten net to salvage some pride.