Qormi played a very defensive game and managed to win the first point in the competition.

Paola H did most of the attacking throughout the whole 80 minutes.

Referee Graham MacDougall had firm control of the proceedings and applied the advantage clause to perfection.

The Paolites started straight on the offensive. From a flag kick by Timothy Tabone, Scott Chircop headed slightly out and after Cuschieri was fouled outside the area Tabone drove slightly over the bar.

In the first action by Qormi, Christian Frendo served Dylan Attard on the left flank and Hibs keeper Ganni Spiteri neutralised the ball from his cross.

Hibs regained the initiative and Qormi keeper Neil Smart saved a header by Darren Sciberras after a flag kick by Tabone. Cuschieri was then fouled outside the area and Tabone missed the upright from the free kick.

In another Qormi attack, Dylan Pirotta served Glenn Sammut with a square pass but he drove out from outside the area.

The last two actions before the break were both created by Paola. Andre’ Camilleri served Darren Sciberras in the area but Smart foiled him with a timely sortie and Tabone served Baldacchino with a cross from the right flank and Smart saved his long-range shot.

Two minutes after restart Qormi nearly broke the deadlock when Spiteri had to dive full length to turn the ball to a corner.

Hibs reacted and substitute Shawn Chircop hit the side-rigging. Chretein Calleja then handled the ball on the right flank and Smart saved the free kick by Rainer Curmi.

Neil Chetcuti served Chircop on the left flank and was fouled by Attard who was dismissed after a second booking. Spiteri then saved a free kick from Glen Sammut.

The Paolites resumed with their pressure and went close to scoring when substitute Dejan Farrugia served Chircop in the area from a long throw-in from the left flank and after dribbling past an opponent missed the upright with his shot.  

Referee: Graham MacDougall 

Player of the match: Timothy Tabone (Paola )