Hibernians-Hamrun 1-0
Hibernians: M. Muscat, A.Pulis, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, D. Williamson, E. Mbong, R. Baldacchino (J. Vella), D. Camilleri, E. Agius, C. Failla (A. Cohen), H. Doda
Hamrun S : J. Cordina, A. Attard (S. Sadowski), J. Francica, J. Debattista, D. Galea, A. Mansueto, K. Borg (C. Nwankwo), R. Fenech (G. Spiteri), S. Sultana, R. Mangion, J. Magri Overend
Referee: P. Caruana Asst. refs: J. Rapa, E. Spiteri 4th official: K. Azzopardi
Scorer: A. Cohen
Yellow cards: J. Francica, R. Fenech, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, S. Sadowski
A dreary and uninspiring tie was settled in the 89th minute by Andrew Cohen, whose perfectly executed freekick enabled Hibernians to scrape through to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, beating off Hamrun’s gallant challenge that nearly stretched them into extra time.
The match, which bore little resemblance to a cup tie, was evenly balanced, although Hibernians deserved their win for showing more attacking intent in the second half. Cohen who played only as a second half substitute, decided a low key match in Hibernians’ favour after his side had spurned good scoring opportunities.
Hamrun had all their three foreigners starting on the bench and Spiteri only went in as a second half substitute. After matching their opponents for a whole first half, the Spartans lacked any attacking flair and finally fell to Hibernians’ challenge.
The first half produced the kind of football that serves as a cure for insomnia. A dull and boring 45 minutes offered little in terms of entertainment as both sides looked cagey in their play and their attacks were often stifled once they progressed beyond the half way line.
Both goalkeepers remained mostly inoperative except for a 20th minute Camilleri free-kick for Hibernians which took a wicked deflection off the Hamrun wall. Goalkeeper Cordina was up to task saving into a corner. There were tame headed efforts by Baldacchino and Sultana though none troubled the keepers and on the stroke of half-time Mbong failed to get a decent contact on Baldacchino’s excellent low cross from the left and the stalemate prevailed.
Hibernians stepped up a gear after the interval and managed to create some good scoring opportunities but looked profligate in front of the Hamrun goal. Mintoff headed Cohen’s corner inches wide and on 73 minutes Hibernians carved an opening with a Camilleri wide pass to Baldacchino who shot over the bar.
Cohen shrugged off the challenge of two opponents before unleashing a powerful shot inside the area but keeper Cordina stretched himself to save.
Baldacchino again hit the side netting as Hamrun’s defence was being constantly exposed to the Paolites’ raids.
But as the match was heading towards extra time, Hibernians broke the deadlock with one minute remaining. Andrew Cohen beat Cordina with an exquisite shot at the top corner, after Hibernians were awarded a free-kick from the edge of the area on the left for Francica’s foul on Doda, to put Hibernians into the semis.