Andre Schembri scored a goal of invaluable importance yesterday, against his former club, to give Marsaxlokk a vital win that puts them temporarily in second place. Should Sliema Wanderers fail to beat champions Bikirkara in the last league match this afternoon, a place in the UEFA Cup is theirs to take come next season. Failing that, the Inter-toto is another option for European competition for the Southseasiders.

The Hibernians coach saved his best for the forthcoming FA trophy semi-final match against Birkirkara, as the likes of Muscat, Camilleri, Xuereb, Cohen and Scerri were all among the substitutes. Many youngsters, among whom the returning Ben Camilleri after injury, were put to test.

Marsaxlokk were a more motivated side, obviously eager to land a runners-up spot that would reward their positive season.

As expected they did the early running and went close after five minutes when Bajada nipped unnoticed behind the Hibernians defence but keeper Camilleri repelled his close effort.

Towards the quarter hour Marsaxlokk’s keeper Debono saved Vella’s shot and then blocked on Doda as he tried to connect on the loose ball. Debono also saved another Williamson grounder.

On 28 minutes, David Camilleri went in for the injured Mintoff and the Hibernians substitute nearly committed an own goal towards the half hour as he deflected Mamo’s whipping cross with his head. Keeper Camilleri had to produce an elastic save to turn the ball into a corner.

Marsaxlokk continued to look menacing. Soares Gomes shot on the turn on Bajada’s cross was saved by keeper Camilleri into a corner.

But shortly before the break, Hibernians went close. Doda chased a long ball and played it forward to the unmarked Pullicino, whose first effort was blocked by Debono and his second on the rebound was deflected by Magro, only for the keeper to save on the goal line.

The second half was less pleasing to watch, devoid of real goalmouth action with both teams struggling to build anything although Marsaxlokk enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.

Their lead past the hour earmarked their superiority. The Hibernians defence was caught cold on Licari’s free-kick from the left and, failing to clear, allowed the ball to fall into Andre Schembri’s path for the former Hibernians player to finish off from close range, rousing the few Marsaxlokk supporters present.

With Hibernians offering a flaccid reaction, resting Williamson and Pulis as well, Marsaxlokk could have added further goals but Frendo and Soares Gomes missed close shaves.

However the victorious Southseasiders were applauded by their fans at the end.

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Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, M. Licari, C. Magro (N. Dos Santos Gomes), S. Wellman, C. Mamo, K. Sammut, J. Pace, S. Bajada (G. Sciberras), C. Frendo, A. Schembri (C. Nwoko), W. Soares Gomes

Hibernians: A. Camilleri, K. Spiteri, R. Mintoff (D. Camilleri), A. Pulis (L. Buttigieg Desira), E. Mbong, P. Pullicino, R. Baldacchino, E. Agius, J. Vella, H. Doda, D. Williamson (B. Camilleri)

Referee: L. Sammut Asst. refs: J. Rapa, S. Tanti 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: A. Schembri

Yellow card: E. Agius, H. Doda

Player of the match: Alex Camilleri (Hibernians)

TMI top three: 1. C. Frendo 2. A. Camilleri 3. C. Mamo