Livingston 0 - 0 FC Vaduz

Livingston progressed to the first round proper of the UEFA Cup with a controversial win over the Liechtenstein minnows.

Vaduz had the ball in the back of the net right at the death through Marius Zarn - but referee Ivan Novak claimed he had already blown for full-time.

That meant Livi progressed thanks to the away goal rule following their 1-1 away draw two weeks ago, and now join Aberdeen, Rangers and Celtic in tomorrow`s first round draw.

This game was always going to be an historic occasion for Livingston no matter what the outcome was.

Their first ever European tie on home soil was just the latest chapter in the fairytale which has shaped the club during their seven years of existence after winning promotion from Divisions One, Two and Three before clinching third place in the Scottish Premier League last season.

The first leg in Liechtenstein a fortnight ago - described as the club's biggest ever game by manager Jim Leishman - proved to be something of an anti-climax for a side who had progressed from being underdogs to a cosmopolitan, continental team in the space of one campaign.

They had to settle for a 1-1 draw from that game and, despite grabbing an all important away goal - the message for this game was 'must do better'.

But Livingston's performance in the opening spell was edgy and Vaduz were given the chance to open the scoring as early as six minutes into the game.

Vaidotas Slekys called Livi goalkeeper Javier Sanchez Broto into action when he unleashed a shot from the right flank, which the Spanish keeper just managed to turn past the post.

But Livingston were unlucky not to take the lead after 21 minutes when they were handed a free-kick 25 yards out after Juanjo Camacho was hauled down by Renato Brugnoli.

Rolando Zarate took the free-kick and managed to slice the shot through the Vaduz wall - but he was denied by a superb save by Romouald Peiser and Phillipe Brinquin's rebound header was easily held by the goalkeeper.

As the game progressed Livi were beginning to look more dangerous and they had another opportunity to take the lead after 33 minutes when Camacho produced a cheeky left-footed volley from 15 yards which fell just wide of the upright.

The home side could have sneaked the opener just two minutes before the interval when David Bingham flighted a cross into the path of Zarate in the box but he nodded just wide.

Livingston should have taken the lead after 59 minutes. Camacho exchanged a one-two with Bingham before surging into the area and he looked certain to net from just a few yards out - but goalkeeper Peiser managed to block.

A few seconds later Bingham claimed for a penalty when he appeared to be brought down in the box by Andre Niederhauser - but the referee disagreed and play continued.

The home side were piling the pressure on the visitors and Quino went on a superb run before trying his luck with a drive from just inside the 18-yard box but he watched in agony as the ball slid inches wide.

Vaduz suffered a setback when they found themselves down to ten men with 16 minutes remaining. Martin Telser was shown his second yellow card for another challenge on Bingham.

Livi were still looking the stronger side and Zarate could have grabbed the goal which would book their place in the first round proper - but Peiser just managed to touch the ball past the post for a corner kick.

With 78 minutes on the clock, Livingston should have put the game beyond Vaduz. Bingham surged down the left wing before squaring the ball across the face of goal to substitute Barry Wilson - but he fired wide when it looked easier to score.