West Ham United have been unable to break down Birkirkara in a goalless start to the first-leg of their Europa League second-round qualification clash.

The home side had an early penalty appeal turned down when Modibo Maiga went to ground inside the box, while the Mali international headed over a Matt Jarvis cross soon after.

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Morgan Amalfitano was the next West Ham player to try his luck, curling the ball a yard over the bar as the Hammers continued to press for an opener.

Further shouts for a penalty were waved away by referee Markus Hameter to skipper Kevin Nolan's dismay on the 20-minute mark, which came just moments before Maiga tested Justin Haber with his headed attempt.

A lively Maiga was involved throughout the opening 45 minutes, again finding space to get a shot away which this time came back off the post.

Haber had plenty to do before the half was out, but the Premier League club were unable to show the quality needed in front of goal to find a way through.