CITY ARE PENALTY KINGS

Hart saves in the shoot-out.

Manchester City had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank as they scraped through 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 decisive kick to spare City's blushes.

Aston Villa are also through after a 1-1 draw on the night against FH Hafnarfjordur secured a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Craig Gardner put Martin O'Neill's side ahead after 27 minutes but their battling opponents levelled three minutes later through Atli Bjornsson.

The expected goal rush for the 25,415 crowd did not materialise after a bright start from Villa, who had effectively wrapped up the tie by winning the first 4-1 a fortnight ago.

Two goals in the last four minutes ensured St Patrick's advanced after a 2-1 win completed a 4-3 aggregate victory over IF Elsborg.

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 they were on the brink of progressing until Jason Gavin scored four minutes from time to bring the scores level 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.