Sliema Wanderers 0

Hibernians 1

Substitute Bjorn Kristensen scored six minutes from time to give Hibernians a deserved victory over Sliema, with the Blues suffering their first defeat under Danilo Doncic’s helm.

The match was a very interesting and entertaining, with Hibernians playing one of their best matches so far this season. Abdellah Taki and Andrew Cohen were outstanding for Hibernians, whilst Edward Herrera had a very god match too.

Hibernians had more scoring chances, also missing a first half penalty when McManus could only hit the upright. The Sliema custodian Henry Bonello, who was making is debut from the first minute this season for the Wanderers, effected a string of good saves that the Hibs strikers at bay.

Sliema finally met their waterloo after a series of fine performances under the guidance of Doncic. But the Paolites yesterday produced better stuff, despite Jackson Lima’s and Rodrick Bajada’s efforts.

The strong wind did not stop both sides from going all out for an early goal and the match resulted in a very entertaining one in the opening minutes. Herrera tested Bonello from the edge of the area.

Sliema hit back with a Bajada freekick from just outside the box that was well saved by Muscat. Hibernians were more aggressive and had efforts through McManus and Hart.

On 24 minutes Sliema had their best chance when a Lackhim shot was deflected in Jackson Lima’s path, but his missile from inside the box was brilliantly saved by Muscat. On 29 minutes came Hibs’ golden opportunity to forge ahead when a Ryan Camilleri cross was handled by Josef Mifsud for a blatant penalty which referee Azzopardi immediately awarded.

But from the penalty spot Paul McManus could only hit the base of the upright. Doncic made the first change five minutes later with Beppe Muscat coming in for Julian Briffa and the substitute immediately came to the fore when he crossed towards Lima who misfired when well placed.

On 37 minutes Bonello saved the Blues when he dived to save a McManus close range header from a Cohen freekick. The match continued with scoring chances at regular intervals. Lima’s shot on the turn sailed over the bar, and on 43 minutes Cohen brought the best out of Bonello who saved in style turning into a corner.

In stoppage time a Taki shot was apparently handled by a Sliema defender with the Hibs’ players appealing for a second penalty, but this time referee Azzopardi ignored the incident.

The second half started on a slower pace, but with Sliema holding an upper hand. On 54 minutes Bajada crossed towards Mifsud whose header was easily saved by Muscat.

On the hour Sliema’s goalkeeper was almost deceived by a deflection off a Hart shot, but the ball hit the side netting. Sliema had two good scoring opportunities in quick succession with shots from Jackson Lima and Rodrick Bajada going slightly over the bar.

On 75 minutes Bonello saved his side again, this time denying Cohen.

Nine minutes from time Hibernians appeared to have struck the winning formula with Cohen and Taki ripping the Sliema defence apart, but luckily for the Wanderers Lima made a desperate but efficient block.

However the goal came four minutes later when substitute Bjorn Kristensen tapped the ball home from close range, meeting a well executed Taki cross from the right.

Sliema W: H. Bonello, J. Briffa (B. Muscat), J. Mifsud, M. Scerri (M. Ciantar), S. Bezzina, C. Gatt Baldacchino, J. Lima, C. Lackhim, R. Bajada, C. Failla (O. Obiefule), E. Barbara.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, R. Camilleri, A. Xuereb, J. Pearson, A. Pulis (B. Kristensen), P. Osei, R. Hart, P. McManus (M. Clarke), A. Cohen, E. Herrera, A. Taki.

Referee: K. Azzopardi,

Asst. Referees: E. Spiteri, W. Debattista,

4th official: C. Pisani.

Scorer: B. Kristensen 84

Yellow cards: J. Briffa, J. Mifsud, R. Hart, A. Cohen, A. Taki,

Player of the match: A. Cohen (Hibernians)

TMI top 3: 1. A. Taki 2. A. Cohen 3. J. Lima