Sliema deal Hibernians a serious blow
Sliema W.-Hibernians 3-0
Sliema W: M. Akanji, J. Brincat (J. Farrugia), A. Muscat, M. Dilello, B. Said, D. Debono (D. Carabott), D. Doncic, R. Bajada, J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, S. Giglio.
Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino, A. Pulis, R. Mintoff, E. Mbong, A. Cohen (K. Spiteri), C. Failla (J. Vella), J. Pearson (R. Baldacchino), E. Agius, D. Camilleri, H. Doda.
Referee - A. Casha, Ass. referees - K. Borg, C. Micallef, 4th official - M. Borg
Scorers - S. Giglio 2, R. Bajada
Yellow cards - D. Debono, J. Chetcuti, C. Failla,
Player of the match - Stefan Giglio (Sliema)
TMI best three - 1. S. Giglio 2. A. Muscat 3. J. Brincat
CHRIS CASSAR
Hibernians yesterday almost said goodbye to their slim championship hopes, when they were soundly beaten by champions Sliema Wanderers, in a match that only came to live in the second half.
Both teams had suffered defeats in their opening matches in the championship pool, and for both of them this was their last chance to keep the pressure on the league leaders.
In the end, Sliema without setting any houses on fire were still good enough to obtain an easy victory.
Sliema coach Edward Aquilina made some changes to the team that lost against Marsaxlokk in their last outing. Apart from Bogdanovic, suspended by the club, Sliema relegated David Carabott and Noel Turner to the substitute's bench with Bajada, Debono and Alex Muscat romped in from the first minute.
On their part Hibernains, had Kenneth Spiteri as a substitute after missing the last game against Valletta due to suspension. Ryan Mintoff took the suspended Aaron Xuereb's place in defence with Doda and Cohen up front as Terence Scerri will be sidelined for a month after injuring his shoulder.
The changes made by Edward Aquilina proved to be the winning tricks as both Muscat and Bajada were surely two of the best players for the Wanderers. Brincat and Giglio did the rest dominating the midfield sector, with the latter scoring a brace. The defence was solid with the Paolites never dangerous. Dilello was a span above his defensive colleagues with some neat tackles.
On five minutes Sliema were already in the lead when Joe Brincat passed to Stefan Giglio who beat the offside trap to beat a hesitant Mario Muscat with a rising shot. This start was the right tonic, but the rest of the first half was very disappointing with the strong wind playing an important role.
Play was mainly in midfield with Sliema having the edge with Bajada, Brincat and Gigilo in good mood. Hibs' first attempt at goal came on the half hour with Andrew Cohen shooting over the bar from a freekick. On 36 minutes a David Camilleri freekick created havoc in front of Akanji with Mbong failing to connect in front of goal. Hibs increased the pressure in the dying minutes but the Sliema defence never gave away an inch.
The second half started with Sliema scoring their second goal, again through Stefan Giglio who, from an acute angle, headed in a Joe Brincat freekick. Sliema, now with the wind at their backs, almost scored a third goal with a powerful Di Lelllo freekick slightly missing the upright.
On 55 minutes, however, Sliema scored their third goal with a brilliant move between Alex Muscat and Rodrick Bajada on the right flank with the latter scoring a beauty.
The match was now completely won and lost with Mario Muscat effecting the only save of the match denying Stefan Giglio of his hat-trick. Mario Muscat was again called in action blocking a shot from Doncic, completely unmarked in front of goal.