Hibernians had to sweat hard to beat a lively and determined Pieta side to keep in touch with leaders Sliema, and still with a chance to go on top as they still have a game in hand. It was surely not one of Hibernians’ best display this season.

However great credit must go to the determined Pieta side who never gave away an inch and could have even snatched a surprise point with some luck.

For Hibernians, Essien Mbong showed once again his importance in midfield whilst Andrew Cohen, who played with a protective mask, was again an asset for Robert Gatt’s team, obtaining the decisive penalty.

Pieta should be satisfied, at least with the display of their youngsters, with players like Pulo, and Ryan Camilleri giving a good account of themselves. Martin Deanov hada another good performance, and Pieta should consider themselves unlucky when they lost Sciuto at half time.

Carmelo Sciuto was playing some good stuff, irresistible at times, but had to limp off injured.

Hibernians had a dream start going ahead after only eight minutes.

Haruna Doda anticipated a rather hesitant Bernard Sciberras, his shot was blocked by Andrew Hogg, but from the rebound the same Doda headed in.

Hibernians dominated for long stretches but failed to be dangerous in front of goal. On their part Pieta had in Sciuto a delight to watch with his neat dribbling.

On 35 minutes Essien Mbong brought the best of goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, with a dipper from the edge of the area with the Pieta goalkeeper tipping into a corner.

Pieta had their best patch near the end of the first half were they menaced to obtain a surprise equaliser. David Camilleri was instrumental when he managed to block in time Martin Deanov. On 39 minutes a bombshell from Claudio Calleja was blocked by an alert Mario Muscat.

At the start of the second period, Pieta lost Carmelo Sciuto who was left in the dressing room to be substituted by Ryan Camilleri. Pieta however had a brilliant start to the second half as they pressed their opponents in search of the equaliser.

Ryan Camilleri immediately mad his presence felt shooting slightly over the bar and David Camenzuli failed to connect in front of goal minutes later. The goal was in the air as Pieta obtained a deserved equlaiser on the hour. A Martin Deanov freekick was tipped by Muscat against the crossbar, and from the rebound substitute Ryan Camilleri scored the equaliser.

The match was now spectacular with Andrew Hogg saving a good Cohen freekick.

On 66 minutes Hibernians obtained a penalty when Andrew Cohen was tripped by Ilian Deanov, and the same Andrew Cohen made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Pieta did not throw in the towel as they continued to be menacing.

On 75 minutes Pieta went very close of snatching the equaliser when Martin Deanov passed to the unmarked Calleja who shot slightly wide from close range.

Pieta’s last chance was came to Martin Deanov whose shot was blocked by Mbong and from the rebound Claudio Calleja wasted a golden opportunity.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, E. Mbong, T. Scerri, A. Cohen, C. Failla (R. Baldacchino), E. Agius (B. Camilleri), D. Camilleri, H. Doda.

Pieta H: A. Hogg, I. Deanov, B. Sciberras, D. Camenzuli, A. Spiteri, C. Sammut, R. Grech (D. Gatt), C. Pulo, M. Deanov, C. Calleja, C. Sciuto (R. Camilleri)

Referee: L. Sammut, asst. refs: P. Agius, S. Tanti, 4th official: J. Attard

Scorers: H. Doda, R. Camilleri, A. Cohen (pen),

Yellow cards: A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, A. Cohen, C. Calleja, D. Camenzuli

Player of the match: Andrew Cohen (Hibernians)

TMI top three: 1. E. Mbong 2. A. Cohen 3. M. Deanov