Qormi-Hibernians 1-0

Qormi: M. Farrugia, J. Vandelannoite, S. Giglio, K. Fenech, J. Chetcuti (B. Camilleri), J. Farrugia, A. Bello Osagie (C. Karamanolis), G. Mallia, J. Bondin (G. Buttigieg), H. Kang, J. Souza

Coach: S. Azzopardi

Hibernians: M. Muscat, M. Gauci, J. Pearson, R. Camilleri, P. Osei, R. Hart, A. Cohen, S. Pisani (M. Tabone), B. Fairbairn, P. McManus (M. Clarke), E. Herrera

Coach: M. Miller

Referee: C. Lautier Asst.refs: P. Apap, M. Debono 4th official: M. Borg

Scorers: J. Souza 38 pen

Yellow cards: P. Osei, J. Bondin

Player of the match: J. Souza (Qormi)

TMi top 3: 1. J. Farrugia 2. J. Souza 3. M. Muscat

Hibernians suffered their eighth league defeat which leaves them second from bottom after conceding a first half penalty against troubled Qormi, separated by only two points at kick-off.

The narrow win gives Stephen Azzopardi’s side some breathing space and by virtue of Sliema’s defeat in yesterday’s other match, they now climb to seventh place. Their dreams of landing a Championship Pool berth before the end of the league’s first phase, are still on course.

Hibernians gave a debut start to their two new foreigners, Scottish wide player Brian Fairbairn and Ghana midfielder Patrick Osei. Matt Clarke and Bjorn Kristensen were exiled to the bench. Ryan Camilleri played at centre back alongside Pearson, while Herrera was dropped back to right back. Cohen played in the middle, behind the forwards, but was only a peripheral figure as the Paolites lacked the invention, pace and penetration to break down Qormi’s defence.

Qormi were without the suspended Matthew Bartolo and Cleaven Frendo but welcomed back Stefan Giglio in defence and their most influential player Joseph Farrugia. They immediately established hegemony in midfield and took firm control against hapless Hibernians for the entire first 45 minutes.

Qormi carved out chances galore and fluffed them, at times thwarted by goalkeeper Muscat, who tipped a dipping Joseph Farrugia free kick over the bar in the opening minutes and then blocked Vandelannoite’s header from a Fenech corner.

Souza twice could have done better when he first headed Bondin’s cross from the right straight on the keeper and then had his angled shot repelled by Muscat.

But the most glaring miss was Vandeloinnoite’s on 34 minutes. Alone in front of goal when released by Farrugia, he completely missed the target.

With Hibernians unable to knit together more than three consecutive passes and giving possession away too cheaply, their defence had to soak a lot of pressure from Qormi, who forced them into a plethora of errors. Ryan Camilleri’s misplaced pass on a clearance on 38 minutes, procured Qormi’s lead. Osagie went past Pearson inside the area and as he was clear, was tackled from behind by Camilleri. Josue Souza tucked the penalty away.

Hibernians increased their efforts in the second half although their play still lacked cohesion.

Fairbairns’ central shot was held out by keeper Matthew Farrugia, back in the Qormi goal yesterday.

Then Gauci galloped down the left flank and sent a low cross, only for Vandelannoite to clear before Mc Manus could conclude.

Qormi were unable to maintain the momentum of the first half and play became scrappy from both sides. Hibernians put in Matt Clarke in attack and withdrew McManus as they raked several crosses inside the Qormi area.

Qormi were forced to substitute the injured Bondin five minutes from times and before the match was over they even could have doubled their lead. Souza ran through on a Farrugia pass forward but shot over when faced by the onrushing Hibernians keeper.

Fortunately they were still leading by that Souza penalty.