Hibernians and Malta striker Andrew Cohen was yesterday named by the MFA as Malta’s Footballer of the Year for a second consecutive time.

It is the first time in the history of Maltese football that a player won the award in two consecutive seasons since it started to be held in season 1954/55.

Cohen, 25, finished just ahead of Birkirkara’s Michael Galea, this season’s league top scorer, while Sliema’s Ivan Woods was third. Fourth was Etienne Barbara of Birkirkara and fifth Branco Nisevic of Valletta.

The preliminary voting had seen Galea leading Cohen by two points, but when the points for appearances (league, other competitions and national team) as well as disciplinary measures were taken into account, it was Cohen who emerged on top, earning a grand total of 45.75 against the total of 44.35 gained by Galea. Woods was third on 38.80 while Barbara came next on 37.20, followed by Nisevic on 36.90.

The other best player awards were the following:

First Division: Mark Tanti (St Patrick).

Second Division: Michael Martin (Melita FC).

Third Division: Jonathan Bezzina (Rabat).

Youths: Edmond Agius (Hibernians).

Women: Marisa Deguara (Mosta).

As already said, Michael Galea won the Premier League top scorer award with 19 goals. He was followed by Daniel Nwoke of Msida and Ivan Woods of Sliema on 16 goals each.

Chima Dozie was the first division top scorer with 15 goals, Antoine Sacco of Balzan won the second division award with 19 goals while Adam Smeir of Rabat scored 18 goals to top the third division scorers list. Dorianne Theuma of Hibernians finished top scorer in the women’s league with 30 goals.