Hibernians striker Andrew Cohen yesterday won the accolade of Malta’s Footballer of the Year after being voted the best Premier League player for season 200-2005 during the MFA council meeting.

Cohen, aged 23 and a Hibernians youth product, beat the challenge of Valletta’s Gilbert Agius and Sliema’s defender Brian Said, who finished second and third respectively, for this prestigious individual award.

Cohen, who played a key role for his side last season, totalled 73 points despite playing only 36 competitive matches during the season. Agius was awarded 67 points while Said got 57 after taking into consideration the players’ appearances in all competitive matches as well as deducting penalty points due to cautions or sending offs.

Andrew Cohen also ended up as the Premier League top scorer with 21 goals, one more than Sliema (and former Pieta) striker Ivan Woods, to crown a most memorable season.

The best player awards in all aother MFA league divisions went to George Attard (Senglea Athletic) in Division One, Anthony Curmi (Tarxien) in Division Two and Matthew Xerxn (Gudja United) in Division Three.

In the Women’s category, Jane Coates of Mosta was voted the seaon’s best player, ahead of Dionne Tonna of Hibernians, besides also sharing the top scorer award with Sarah Caruana and Kathleen Saliba, after each netted 15 goals.