Hibernians 1

Valletta 1

Hibernians: M. Muscat, E. Herrera, A. Xuereb, J. Vandelannoite, S. Pisani (J. Pearson), R. Soares, B. Kristensen, C. Failla, A. Cohen, T. Caruana (P. Anizoba), L. Edison

Valletta: A. Hogg, J. Caruana, S. Borg, I. Azzopardi, R. Briffa, E. Agius (J. Pace), G. Agius (D. Falzon), D. Dos Santos, O. Zongo (A. Effiong), W. Barbosa, M. Mifsud

Referee: M. Apap

Asst refs: W. Debattista, T. Debono

4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: R. Soares 4, M. Mifsud 30

Yellow cards: W. Barbosa, M. Muscat

Player of the match: G. Agius (Valletta)

TMI top 3: 1. O. Zongo 2. R. Soares 3. G. Agius

Attendance: 4,023

This top-of-the-table clash between favourites and leaders Valletta and nearest challengers Hibernians ended with honours even. In the previous round, Hibernians had inflicted the only defeat on the champions but yesterday, Valletta were never in danger of suffering the same fate.

Their regimental and reliable style enabled them to shrug off an early setback, after falling behind to a Soares goal within the first four minutes, and managed to draw level through Michael Mifsud on the half hour. The Valletta international ended his goal drought after failing to find the net for almost four whole months. That was more than Valletta deserved as they dominated most of the proceedings to preserve their six-point lead over Hibernians.

Although handicapped by defensive absences, Hibernians retained a certain sturdiness at the back, even when Valletta exerted some sustained pressure, mostly in the first part. The Paoiltes were bereft of the injured Adrian Pulis, Ryan Camilleri and the still unfit Jonathan Pearson. Balbinot has been released but they gave a debut to their latest signing, the Belgian Jason Vandelannoite, who previously had a spell with Qormi.

Their central defenders were Aaron Xuereb and Rodolfo Soares, with Vandelannoite and Herrera as wide backs. Steve Pisani provided cover on the right flank and Clayton Failla on the left. The absence of the suspended Brazilian Dias was also a huge setback for the Paolites as Triston Caruana and Bjorn Kristensen, both lacking the required creativity, were eclipsed in midfield. That meant meaner service to Cohen and Luis Edison.

Valletta’s line-up showed few surprises. Michael Mifsud was making his return after several weeks out, partnering Denni Dos Santos in attack. Zongo was preferred to Dyson Falzon on the left. William Barbosa played as a retreated midfielder, leaving Jamie Pace on the bench and Gilbert Agius played behind the Valletta strikers.

Hibernians could not have dreamt of a better start, going in front after only four minutes on the clock. A Failla corner from the right was deflected by Barbosa towards the middle for Rodolfo Soares to head past the helpless keeper Hogg.

Valletta managed to regroup though and for the remainder of the first half pinned Hibernians inside their own half. Mifsud arrived late on an insidious Briffa cross from the right and on 20 minutes, Gilbert Agius connected to another Briffa cross but his scissors kick was easily saved by keeper Muscat.

Zongo went past two opponents from the left but was blocked by Xuereb inside the area before Valletta deservingly drew level on the half hour. The goal also came from a set piece as the Hibernians defence failed to clear a Denni corner from the left, the ball finally fell to Michael Mifsud who shot in from close range.

Valletta maintained the initiative. On 33 minutes, keeper Muscat had to stretch himself to hold out Edmond Agius’ effort with some difficulty.

With half time looming, Hibernians threatened when Edison, who was only a peripheral figure, chased a Failla long ball, managed to put a foot to it but keeper Hogg rushed out to block with his chest.

Valletta continued to move the ball smartly and dangerously at the start of the second half and immediately Zongo mishit on a Denni testing cross. An Edmond Agius free kick was cleared towards Mifsud whose effort missed the target by inches. Sensing the Valletta threat, Hibernians coach Mark Miller deemed it fit to make early tactical changes. Peter Anizoba went in for Caruana and on the hour Jonathan Pearson substituted Pisani, with Herrera moving further up.

Goalmouth action remained much at a premium after that, except for a few half chances by Valletta when Gilbert Agius tested keeper Muscat with an overhead kick on Denni’s cross on 65 minutes and, in the late stages, Mifsud headed Zongo’s cross wide and the chance went to waste.

A rather incident-free game ended in controversy. In added time, the referee awarded Hibernians a free kick outside the Valletta area on the left for a contact between Edison and Borg as the Valletta defender obstructed his opponent while trying to shield the ball for his keeper to take. The Hibernians players protested for an alleged foul of keeper Hogg on Edison inside the area as the action ensued. But televison replays confirmed there was no contact between the two whatsoever. Cohen’s free kick however proved unproductive.