Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Europa League qualification hopes hang by a thread, following a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Astra Giurgiu this evening.

The best chance of the opening period fell the way of Ryan Christie, who was unable to find a way through when presented with the opportunity.

Inverness were dealt a blow soon after when Constantin Budescu found the net from a well-taken set piece, which left Owain Fon Williams with little chance between the sticks.

Despite the setback, last season's Scottish Cup winners remained positive and they were able to force Silviu Lung into making a save at the end of Aaron Doran's shot.

Budescu remained a threat for Astra, though, with his 25-yard shot being parried away by Williams as the Jags looked towards half time.

It was almost a horror start to the second period for Thistle, as Danny Devine's back-pass was chased down by the lively Budescu, but it was cleared away before he could get a foot to it.

Both sides then had chances to find the net for a second time on the night - Doran again forcing Lung into making a fine stop, before William struck the post for the visiting side.

Doran was proving to be Inverness's star performer after he again tried his luck from range, but there was to be no way through for the hosts in their first ever European outing.