West Ham’s Europa Conference League quarter-final with Gent is finely poised after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.
Danny Ings’ first ever European goal and third since joining West Ham gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time (45+3) but they had to withstand a late onslaught at the Ghelamco Arena.
The Hammers, seeking to break a 43-year trophy drought, saw their 100 per cent record in Europe this season ended in the second period, but David Moyes will feel confident of completing the job back on home soil.
Gent had won 10 of their previous 15 home games, and Alessio Castro-Montes was involved in the equaliser as he combined with striker Hugo Cuypers, who steadied himself before reversing his shot beyond Alphonse Areola (56).
There was late drama when referee Tasos Sidiropoulos opted to reverse his decision to send off Kamil Piatkowski after a VAR review having initially dismissed him for a challenge on Lucas Paqueta. Replays showed he got the ball.
Gent’s Gift Orban and Tarik Tissoudali both missed good chances to take a slender lead into the second leg next Thursday but the draw means it is the Premier League side who will look to make the most of home advantage at the London Stadium.
More to follow…
What’s next?
The second leg takes place at the London Stadium on April 20; kick-off 8pm.
But up next for West Ham, they host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 2pm.
Meanwhile, Gent travel to Mechelen, also on Sunday; kick-off 3pm.
