Despite being superior to their opponents for long stretches, Marsaxlokk squandered a two goal lead and had to settle for a draw against Hibernians at the end. They thus remain unbeaten, together with leaders Valletta.

All four goals were scored in the first half, which eclipsed the second in terms of quality.

Hibernians, who looked confused and rarely showed clear ideas in midfield, should be given merit for the way their reacted after falling twice in arrears as they inflicted the first league goals on Marsaxlokk.

But they had their keeper Mario Muscat to thank for keeping them in the match in the second half as Marsaxlokk created more scoring opportunities and went close to winning the game.

The Southseasiders took the field without central defender Yanchev, with Galabov filling that role, alongside Brincat, and Kokavessis was given a start. Alcorse, who was named among the substitutes, went in for the latter, midway through the first half.

Marsaxlokk could not have dreamt of a more promising start when going two goals up within the first seven minutes, capitalizing on Hibernian’s unsettled defence.

Trevor Templeman broke the deadlock after four minutes with a long range shot that completely took keeper Muscat by surprise and three minutes later Alfred Effiong, put through by Kokavessis, again beat keeper Muscat with a low shot as the Hibernians’ defence was being perforated through the middle at will.

The goals invoked an immediate response from Hibernians and although facing an uphill task, they pulled one back past the quarter hour. Licari was dispossessed by Paul McManus’ challenge on the left and as the Scottish forward took the ball in his stride, he beat keeper Gauci with a curling shot at the far post.

On 21 minutes, the injured Kokavessis had to be substituted by Alcorse as Hibernians were also forced to substitute the injured defender Ryan Camilleri five minutes later.

Uncalled for changes might have unsettled both sides.

Marsaxlokk moved upfield towards the half hour. Galabov’s header, as he went up to meet Deanov’s cross, was blocked.

On 32 minutes, Hibernians restored equilibrium. Andrew Cohen exchanged the ball with McManus, ran into space and beat the Marsaxlokk keeper with some clinical finish.

Before halftime, Effiong beat Clarke and Pulis with his cross from the left but Alcorse failed to put his shot on target.

Marsaxlokk were again the first to threaten after the interval. On Deanov’s inviting free kick from the right, Effiong’s header was tipped into a corner over the bar by keeper Muscat, who providentially held out Mamo’s firm low header on the resultant Deanov corner kick.

On the hour, the woodwork saved Hibernians from further derision. Guerreiro’s long cross beat Pulis. Effiong’s low drive rebounded off the foot of the post.

Hibernians tried to regroup, putting in Farrugia for Herrera but could find little cohesion in their build-ups.

Cohen put his effort off target and in the dying minutes Marsaxlokk went through a late scare as keeper Gauci fumbled Caruana’s long range shot but atoned just in time to foil McManus on the loose ball.

But that would have been injustice. Marsaxlokk did not deserve to lose!

Marsaxlokk R. Gauci, C. Mamo, G. Sciberras, M. Deanov (A. Spiteri), M. Licari, A. Effiong, C. Brincat, R. Galabov, T. Templeman, D. Kokavessis (J. Alcorse), R. Guerreiro (S. Eboh)

Coach P.Curmi

Hibernians M. Muscat, R. Camilleri (M. Tabone), M. Clarke, A. Xuereb (B. Kristensen), A. Pulis, E. Herrera (J.P. Farrugia), Z. Levnaic, A. Cohen, T. Caruana, P. McManus, R. Hart

Coach M.Miller

Referee C. Lautier

Asst refs: J. Camilleri, M. Mercieca

4th official: A. Arciola

Scorers: T. Templeman 4, A. Effiong 7, P. McManus 16, A. Cohen 32

Yellow cards: Z. Levnaic, C. Brincat, R. Hart, P. McManus, E. Herrera

Player of the match: A. Effiong (Marsaxlokk)

TMI Top 3: 1. A. Effiong 2. G. Sciberras 3. M. Muscat

Attendance: 1,720