Football
PA Sport 9y

West Ham ease past FC Lusitanos, Alashkert shock St Johnstone

Diafra Sakho struck a brace in front of a watching Slaven Bilic as West Ham eased to a routine victory over Europa League first qualifying round opponents FC Lusitanos of Andorra.

Plenty has changed at Upton Park in the last 12 months but the constant that remains going forward is the goal-threat of striker Sakho -- who shone in this 3-0 win played just 39 days since the end of both the previous Premier League season and Sam Allardyce's reign in east London.

The 25-year-old joined the club last year and, despite ending the season on the treatment table, he finished the campaign with 10 league goals -- by far the best offering from anyone in claret and blue.

Aberdeen escaped Macedonia with a draw in their Europa League first qualifying round match against Shkendija 79 on Thursday.

Niall McGinn opened the scoring for the Scottish side in the 79th minute, but Shkendija equalised just five minutes later to secure the home side the result as the tie heads back to Pittodrie Stadium.

McGinn's goal was a straightforward one, the No. 10 sweeping in an accurate, bouncing cross from the right off the foot of Shaleum Logan.

However Hristijan Kirovski's perfectly-placed, looping header from just inside the 18-yard box was an exquisite end to an entertaining game at the Philip II Arena.

The two clubs will play the return leg on July 7 in Aberdeen.

Upset-minded Alashkert used their home-field advantage to knock off favourites St Johnstone 1-0 in Armenia.

The visitors wilted in the heat and were lucky to only give up one goal to a team that finished fourth last season in the Armenian top flight.

Mihran Manasyan scored in the 55th minute for the hosts, who will travel to Perth for the second leg on July 9.

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