St Pat's and Shamrock Rovers both beaten in Conference League qualifiers

Ellen O'Donoghue

St Pat's had a difficult night in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier against Besiktas.

Tammy Abraham bagged a hat-trick, including a penalty, as the Turkish side went 4-0 up by half-time.

Simon Power's goal early in the second half means the Saints trail 4-1 ahead of the second leg next week in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers were beaten 1-0 by Ballkani in their third-round first leg in Kosovo.

The Hoops will play their second leg next Thursday at Tallaght Stadium, with kick-off at 8pm.

Tonight's results in Europe come after Shelbourne fought back from a goal down to earn a 2-1 away win in the first leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier against HNK Rijeka in Croatia on Wednesday.

Shels play the second leg of that tie in Tolka Park on Tuesday at 7.45pm, and should they progress, they will guarantee themselves a spot in the League Phase of the Europa Conference League at the very least.