A draw was what Hibernians needed to make sure of a third place and retain their hopes of making it to Europe at least if Birkirkara win the trophy. It was what they achieved yesterday when they held Sliema to a draw to secure the third place as Sliema celebrated their 26th championship and their third consecutive one to the joy of their fans and president Robert Arrigo who has worked so hard to create a winning team which has been at the forefront of Maltese football for the past three years.

Champions Sliema took the field with a number of their regular players missing in their final match of the championship, some because of injuries and others who had three yellow cards and thus in danger of missing the semifinal of the trophy against arch-rivals Birkirkara.

Coach Edward Aquilina thus gave a number of his players who did not play regularly the chance to play in the ‘celebration match’ fielding among others Miguel Mifsud, Adrian Mifsud, Lee Lombardi and Matthew Camilleri.

Sliema supporters flocked to the stadium to celebrate the 26th championship but they did not fill Ta’ Qali in large numbers, in fact they did not fill their side of the enclosure.

The match was only important for Hibernians given the fact that Sliema had already secured the championship and were thus more intent on celebrating than in ensuring that they could beat the Paolites.

On the other hand, Hibernians had a lot at stake since they needed at least a point to secure a third place which would mean a chance to compete in the Uefa Cup if Birkirkara win the trophy.

Sliema undoubtedly merited their championship being the most consistent team throughout. They also had the best squad especially with its depth which proved to be crucial especially when Sliema were faced with injuries to players like Joe Brincat, Stefan Giglio and Danilo Doncic to mention just a few.

Yesterday’s game proved to be a formality given the fact that Sliema were intent on not finishing on the losing end like their final match last season.

Hibernians went close after just one minute when Cohen entered the area, controlled the ball well but his effort was well saved by Camilleri.

At the other end Mario Muscat was forced out of the area to clear with his head after a through pass from Giglio nearly put Mifsud through.

Moments later, the Sliema striker, formerly of Hibernians fell inside the area but was immediately booked for simulation.

Hibernians went very close to taking the lead in the 19th minute. Camilleri took a freekick down the right, the ball was headed by Scerri but his effort was saved by Camilleri to corner.

From the resultant corner taken by Cohen, Camilleri flapped at the ball and Terence Scerri was close by to hit home to the joy of the few Hiberians supporters present.

At the other end, Ivan Woods tested Muscat with a well taken freekick which the Hiberians custodian saved with difficulty.

On the change of ends, Sliema immediately ventured forward and a Giglio shot took a deflection off Xuereb but the ball went wide.

The Wanderers equalised in the 57th minute. Stefan Giglio was allowed to enter the area free and unhampered, beat two defenders easily and then hit home past Muscat.

The match was practically over as it became more of a friendly with Sliema having a slight edge over the Paolites but with the latter administering the result they needed to secure third place.

Coach Edward Aquilina fielded captain Noel Turner in the second half together with Jeffrey Chetcuti and Murphy Akanji.

Sliema looked more focused on going to celebrate their championship their were celebrations as soon as the referee whistled full time. The Hibernians players were also applauded by their supporters who were pleased with the third place which mean that Valletta, who had for long stretches of the championship been in second place, ended up fourth.

At the end of the match, MFA president Joe Mifsud presented the championship trophy to captain Noel Turner. From then onwards it was celebration time for the Wanderers.