On This Day: James Tomkins goal edges West Ham United past Maltese side Birkirkara

 

James Tomkins' last-minute goal edged West Ham United past Maltese Cup winners Birkirkara on this day in 2015.

The Hammers were made to work hard to secure a 1-0 UEFA Europa League second round first leg victory at the Boleyn Ground, with Modibo Maiga seeing a shot pushed onto the post and Kevin Nolan going close with an acrobatic effort.

An all-important goal arrived in the 90th minute, when Mauro Zarate's corner was missed by Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber and centre-back Tomkins bundled the ball over the line.

West Ham would be pushed even harder in the return leg in Malta, where Fabrizio Miccoli's goal and Tomkins' red card saw the tie go to penalties, with Slaven Bilic's side prevailing 5-3 from the spot.

 

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