Sliema Wanderers 3

Hibernians 3

This highly entertaining second match produced six goals and a sending off with Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians finally taking a point apiece in a deserved draw.

But both sides need to tighten their rearguards to avoid unwarranted disappointments in the course of this new campaign.

Hibernians were twice in front in the first half but Sliema twice hit back and even went ahead just before halftime.

But Hibernians managed to level matters 20 minutes from time after Sliema had their captain Mark Scerri sent off on the hour.

Sliema were not much a changed side, except for Bulgarian midfielder Daneil Mitev and former Vittoriosa Brazilian wide player Jorge Silva. Of the Wanderers’ other two new foreigners, Rumen Galabov was missing while Jerry Ani started sat on the bench, as other newcomers Cleaven Frendo and Ryan Grech were only used as substitutes.

Clayton Failla, back with Hibernians, was facing his former team mates as the Paolites made drastic changes in the off season to make up for last year’s disappointment.

They are relying on Brazilian foreigners this season. Diego Balbinot and Rodolfo Suarez their two central defenders, with Luis Edison their main striker, supported by Cohen and Failla. Hibernians also had injury problems with some regulars like Pearson, Herrera and Xuereb.

Their defence was not up to task either and this explains why both defences leaked two goals each within the first quarter hour.

Hibernians broke the deadlock after only four minutes play when Luis Edison headed in Pisani’s cross.

A minute later Sliema drew level. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza found space to advance and strike a curling shot over the helpless keeper Muscat from inside the area.

Hibernians threatened again through a Failla effort, turned into a corner by keeper Bonello, before on 11 minutes, Hibernians won a free kick on the edge of the area and Clayton Failla himself beat the Sliema custodian with an exquisite shot at the top corner.

That lead lasted only five minutes though. Jackson Lima went past Balbinot like striking lightning and beat keeper Muscat with another rising shot.

That goal sapped all of Hibernians’ confidence who handed the initiative to their opponents from then on. The Wanderers looked menacing with a Mifsud Triganza low cross to which Lima failed to connect.

During one minute of added time, Sliema went in front for the first time. Milev’s powerful drive was not held by keeper Muscat and Mark Scerri was quick to pounce on the rebound and score.

Sliema went close again soon after the restart. Lima’s low diagonal drive rebounded off the foot of the post, with Muscat beaten.

On 56 minutes, Edison’s header on Kristensen’s cross was cleared off the line by Bajada as Hibernians tried to regroup.

Sliema were down to ten men on the hour when Mark Scerri was sent off after a second caution.

Hibernians exploited their numerical superiority with an equaliser on 70 minutes. From yet another Sliema defensive lapse, Luiz Edison was allowed to shoot from the edge of the area and beat keeper Bonello.

Sliema W: H. Bonello, J. Briffa (B. Muscat), J. Mifsud, M. Scerri, J.P. Mifsud Triganza (C. Frendo), D. Mitev (R. Grech), S. Bezzina, C. Gatt Baldacchino, J. Lima, R. Bajada, J. Santos Silva

Coach: D. Doncic

Hibernians: M. Muscat, R. Camilleri, D. Balbinot, R. Soares, A. Pulis, B. Kristensen, S. Pisani (P. Anizoba), C. Failla, T. Caruana (E. Herrera), A. Cohen, L. Edison

Coach: N. Miller

Referee: P. Caruana

Asst.refs: K. Borg, C. Francalanza

4th official: M. Spiteri

Scorers: L. Edison 4, 70, J.P. Mifsud Triganza 5, C. Failla 11, J. Lima 16, M. Scerri 45+

Yellow cards: M. Scerri, R. Bajada, D. Balbinot, C. Gatt Baldacchino

Red card: M. Scerri

Player of the match: Jackson Lima (Sliema W)

TMI top 3: 1. J. Lima 2. L. Edison 3. J.P. Mifsud Triganza

Attendance: 2004