Hibs outclass Citizens in second half
Hibernians-Valletta 3-1
Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Doffo, R. Briffa, A. Xuereb, U. Nwoko, N. Chukunyere (M. Bartolo), T. Scerri, A. Cohen, C. Failla, E. Agius (T. Caruana), K. Cassar
Valletta: S. Darmanin, J. Grioli, B. Nisevic, M. Grima, J. Bondin, I. Zammit, U. Edafe, D. Camilleri, D. Zarb (K. Magro), G. Agius, S. Monesterolo.
Referee: J. Attard, Ass. Referees: A. Camilleri, M. Debono, 4th Official: A. Zammit
Scorers: U. Edafe, A. Cohen pen, T. Scerri 2
Yellow cards: I. Zammit, E. Agius, P. Doffo, U. Edafe, B. Nisevic
Player of the match: Terence Scerri (HIbernians)
TMI best three: 1. T. Scerri 2. N. Chukunyere 3. I. Zammit
CHRIS CASSAR
A five star performance by Hibernians in the second half gave the Paolites their fifth win of the season to go momentarily solely on top with a game in hand. Hibernians fully deserved their victory which matured in the second 45 minutes with three goals that sent Valletta reeling.
Valletta were rather disappointing yesterday and failed to capitalise on their early lead. Valletta's Monesterolo was in subdued form and was only dangerous on one occasion, with Muscat saving a certain goal.
On their part Hibernians showed the better ideas and produced the better football, with Terence Scerri scoring a brace, and winning the equalising penalty.
Hibernians could have scored after a few seconds with the Valletta defence wide open, but Terence Scerri first-timed wide.
The in-form Chukunyere and Terence Scerri were Hibs' spearheads, backed by Cohen and Udo Nwoko, while Cassar, Xuereb, and Briffa formed the defensive line.
Hibernians looked more aggressive in the first minutes, with Chukunyere repeatedly fouled by the City defenders. However Valletta opened the score with a breath-taking goal on 16 minutes. Ian Zammit penetrated with ease in the Hibs defence, his cross was cleared by Doffo in Edafe's path who shot beautifully home with a fierce 30-metre drive.
Valletta's goal was practicaly the highlight of the first half as the rest of the period was very dragging with Valletta never venturing again in the Hibs penalty area. Hibs kept the pressure on the Citizens with Darmanin saving a Scerri header. On 36 minutes defender Grioli hesitated and in nipped Cohen, whose lob went slightly over the bar. Hibs dominated the last minutes with Cohen heading high from an ideal position, with their final ball slamming against the crossbar following a Scerri header.
No changes were made at half-time. Valletta went near at the start with a well taken Zarb header. On 50 minutes Hibernians were on level terms, when Terence Scerri was floored by Grima and from the resultant penalty Andrew Cohen equalised with a precise grounder.
Valletta lost their composure as Hibernians surged forward, with Scerri and Chukunyere a constant menace.
On 59 minutes David Camilleri hit wide from the edge of the area. The match was now more interesting with Valletta showing signs of improvement. Two minutes later Valletta went very close with Muscat saving brilliantly a Monesterolo scorcher after a good pass by Agius. On the other end it was Darmanin's turn to block a Cohen shot. Muscat was again called to save a Camilleri shot
On 71 minutes Hibernians forged ahead when Cohen's pass split the Valletta defence and Scerri chipped beautifully over the helpless Darmanin. Valletta strode desperately forward with Muscat saving a Nisevic header. On 76 minutes HIbernians sealed the issue with a fast break started by Nwoko who passed to Terence Scerri for the latter to score his second goal with a grounder. Scerri could have added another one minutes later but Darmanin saved brilliantly.
Marsaxlokk aim to join leaders Hibernians by beating St George’s
HENRY BRINCAT
Marsaxlokk will be aiming to make sure of beating lowly St George’s in the first match on the card tomorrow so as to be able to re-join Hibernians at the top of the standings.
In other matches between today and tomorrow it’s Msida-Floriana and Marsa-Birkirkara today and Sliema-Pieta tomorrow.
Apart for the Msida-Floriana clash, all the other weekend matches should be one-sided and should see Birkirkara, Marsaxlokk and Sliema emerge clear winners.
Birkirkara, despite some internal squabbles and differences among their administrators, are looking to find some stability at the back but against Marsa this afternoon, they should be strong enough to handle the situation with a certain amount of ease.
Stephen Azzopardi, apart from the now customary injured players, will have to do without the suspended Kenneth Scicluna and Mark Anthony Bonnici today.
The Stripes have had a rather disappointing start to the season collecting just seven points from a possible 15 and occupying an unusual seventh placing in the league.
The Red Blues know that today’s match is an uphill struggle – they are aware that the most important points are those collected against companions in distress – but if they can win something today, it will be a bonus.
This applies to all the other small clubs who are facing the top clubs this weekend.
St George’s, after seeing Valletta not exerting too much to beat them 4-1 last week, will hope to do better against the strong Marsaxlokk, but once again, the southern seasiders are firm favourites to bag another three points.
The same can be said of Sliema who should be able to dispose of bottom-placed Pieta Hotspurs in an easy manner, especially with Pieta having three of their regulars – Claudio Calleja, Digger Okonkwo and Daniel Theuma – suspended.
The Wanderers, like Birkirkara, displayed some excellent football in the 3-3 draw between the two clubs last Friday, but showed some deficiencies at the back which they have to improve upon if they are to stay among the frontrunners.
The most important clash is the first one on the card this afternoon when Floriana will be facing early pace setters Msida.
The Greens have bounced back immediately after their defeat to Marsaxlokk, trouncing Marsa 4-1, but they are aware that it will not be an easy task to dispose of Msida today.
The former league leaders, who suffered their first defeat last week at the hands of Marsaxlokk, will be eager to return to winning form immediately, but although having back among their ranks top striker Daniel Nwoke, they will still have to face and overcome a solid-looking Floriana rearguard.
A balanced match is anticipated and victory could go either way.