Holders Hibernians are still with a chance to defend the U*BET FA Trophy they won last year, having reached the final for the second year running after beating Valletta by the odd goal in three in yesterday’s keenly contested semi-final, watched by a sizeable crowd at Ta’ Qali.

The Paolites staged a remarkable second half comeback, clinching victory with two goals after they had conceded a first half goal by Camilleri from a direct free-kick. But two well taken goals by Cohen and Scerri saw them take the edge over their opponents from the capital.

Despite the fervour about these two popular teams, the first half, although high on energy, was disappointingly low on composure and the match only came to life midway through the second half, that is after Hibernians’ equaliser.

Both sides were at full strength as they were relying heavily on this competition’s success to save their season, but Julian Vella, Chukunyere and Pulis were not included in Hibernians’ starting line-up.

Although both sides set out with attacking intent, the game refused to spark to life in a barren half hour, utterly bereft of a clear chance.

Then, after 37 minutes, we were provided with the first goal. Winning a direct free-kick on the edge of the area, David Camilleri caught the Hibernians’ defence unprepared as he quickly took the kick and planted the ball at the far post, with keeper Muscat rooted to his line.

The goal clearly frustrated Hibernians, who lost some of their composure and Valletta went close on two other occasions before halftime, as shots from Zammit went tantalisingly wide.

The quality of play did not improve much in the second half as the game continued to flash from one box to the other in a somewhat scrappy fashion.

Hibernians badly needed some added impetus to raise their game and upon the hour they put in Chukunyere for Agius.

Both sets of players took advantage of the referee’s tolerant mood at times to indulge in spoiling tactics.

Doffo struck his free-kick against the Valletta wall but on 68 minutes Doffo’s cross from the left was headed in by Andrew Cohen and Hibernians were on level terms.

Valletta put in Zarb for the unproductive Siberie as Da Silva was being treated on the sidelines for a head injury before resuming play.

Chukunyere lost his momentum as he ran clear, beating the Valletta defence, and was eventually blocked by his marker.

With nobody connecting on a Cohen dangerous sailing free-kick, another chance went to waste for Hibernians.

And with extra time looming, Hibernians scored their winner, executed in perfect manner between Chukunyere and Terence Scerri. The latter advanced from midfield, played the ball to his team mate and ran into space to meet Chukunyere’s intelligent back-heeled pass and beat keeper Darmanin with a confident strike, with three minutes of normal time remaining.

Valletta’s late efforts to save the match proved futile. They had claims for a penalty turned down, when the ball made contact with a Hiberninas’ player inside the area and were even foiled with a last ditch save by Muscat on a Camilleri free-kick.

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Hibernians: M. Muscat, J. Caruana, A. Xuereb, P. Doffo, A. Cohen, M. Bartolo, C. Failla, T. Scerri, E. Agius (N. Chukunyere), A. Da Siva, K. Cassar

Valletta: S. Darmanin, S. Bezzina, B. Nisevic, M. Grima, R. Forace, I. Zammit, D. Camilleri, U. Edafe, D. Falzon, G. Agius, R. Siberie (D. Zarb)

Referee: P. Caruana Asst.refs: I. Spiteri, M. Debono 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: D. Camilleri, A. Cohen, T. Scerri

Yellow cards: M. Grima, A. Da Silva, M. Muscat, A. Xuereb, R. Forace, U. Edafe