Floriana-Hibernians 0-1

Hibernians registered the seventh Trophy win in their history yesterday as they defeated a gallant Floriana side thanks to a solitary Haruna Doda goal just before the interval.

Thanks to yesterday’s victory, the Paolites also booked a place in next season’s UEFA Cup and a cash windfall of Lm30,000.

It was a keen encounter with the Paolites strong at the back leaving only some long distance opportunities for the Greens. Even so, there was goalie Muscat who emerged as their great hero with two splendid saves which saved the day for his side.

In the first half, play was more or less equally shared. The Greens appeared to be more committed to their task in the early stages as they launched a series of attacks in search of an early goal.

But when it did not arrive, the Paolites finally started to move around with more confidence as Williamson, Mbong and Cohen were proving to be a headache to the Greens.

Doda’s goal just before the interval came at the right moment for the Paolites as they entered the dressing room in front, albeit by a single goal margin.

But it proved to be enough. In fact, in the second half, despite Floriana’s insistence on attack, the Paolites defended well at the back, also inspired by a great performance from David Camilleri.

This time, the Greens failed to show their rallying capabilities as Hibs closed all gaps at the back.

Floriana seemed to be more determined in the initial stages and on the ninth minute, off a Trevor Cilia cross, Mano Micallef missed a sitter hitting badly and wide from an ideal position.

Hibs replied with a low Cohen shot which forced Agius to dive sideways to save. Moments later, from a fine Williamson cross, Cohen’s first time drive just missed the crossbar.

On 33 minutes, Mbong had his effort going just wide and, immediately after, at the other end, it was Christian Cassar who saw his shot missing the target. Moments later, Eviparker had Muscat in some difficulty with an angled shot, but the goalie managed to turn to corner. From Micallef’s kick, a melee ensued in the Hibs area. The ball finally went to Gango Rtsa who hit wide from an angle.

On 43 minutes, the Paolites took the lead when substitute Terence Scerri received a good pass from Williamson and advanced into the area only to see his shot hitting the upright. The rebound, however, went to the unmarked Haruna Doda, who went round an opponent before hammering the ball home.

On 51 minutes, it was Agius who denied Cohen a goal as he dived sideways to palm the ball out.

Four minutes later, Eviparker had a good effort well saved by Muscat. At the other end, Haruna Doda missed a sitter hitting wide from three metres, following a dangerous cross from Scerri.

On 70 minutes, Eviparker dribbled Xuereb neatly only to see his rising shot missing the target. Five minutes later, Muscat brought the house down with an excellent save off the Nigerian striker.

On 86 minutes, Floriana claimed a penalty when Trevor Cilia appeared to have been floored in the area, but the official, close to the action, waved play on.

In the 90th minute, Muscat was called again into action as he dived sideways to smother a Christian Cassar freekick.

It was the final chance and the final whistle opened the way for Hibernians to start their celebrations.

Floriana: S. Agius, M. Gango Rtsa, I. Azzopardi, M. Caruana, C. Cassar, M. Micallef, T. Cilia, A. Mifsud, I. Ciantar, R. Oba (C. Caruana), A. Eviparker

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

Referee: L. Sammut; Asst refs: I. Spiteri, J. Rapa 4th official: A. Casha

Scorers: H. Doda,

Yellow cards: I. Azzopardi, C. Cassar