Floriana 2
Hibernians 2
Floriana: I. Akpan, E. Ruiz, D. Venancio, K. Keqi (J. Busuttil 89'), J. Arias Ulises (T. Vella 90'), B. Paiber (A. Caseres 76'), J. Pisani, M. Garcia, A. Cini, R. Camenzuli, T. Fonseca
Hibernians: M. Jovicic, T. Tabone Desira (J. Wemmer 70'), L. Da Silveira, J. Mbong, J. Grech, B. Kristensen, D. Vella, G. Izquier Artiles, A. Agius, L. Nanni (J. Degabriele 89') , I. Iriberri (T. Groothusen 85')
Referee: Stefan Pace
Asst refs: Alan Camilleri, Duncan Sultana
4th official: Fyodor Zammit
Scorers: Kristensen 9', Camenzuli 44', Keqi 68' pen., Grech 76'
Yellow cards: Kristensen, Agius, Nanni, Paiber, Vella, Fonseca, Grech
Player of the match: Leonardo Nanni (Hibernians)
TMI Top 3: 1. L. Nanni 2. B.Kristensen 3. D. Venancio
Attendance: 1, 565
Floriana and Hibernians shared four goals in an entertaining match which brought to an end the tenth day of the BOV Premier League. The draw left Floriana four points ahead at the summit but this time around over Sirens who beat Gzira Utd. in the first match.
Hibernians went into this match following back-to-back wins over Santa Lucia and Hamrun Spartans. On the other hand Floriana could count on five consecutive wins against Gudja, Tarxien, Sirens, Senglea and Mosta.
Floriana's coach Vincenzo Potenza had the full compliment at his disposal whereas Hibernians were missing the suspended Ferdinando Apap.
The match resulted in a balanced affair with both teams living up to expecations and offering a good showing.
Nanni and Kristensen were being a constant menace and causing problems for the Greens defence. For Floriana Venancio and Keqi were very active together with the energetic Camenzuli.
Floriana tried to impose themselves on the match in the initial stages but it was Hibernians who had the first chance. Om 8 minutes Nanni floated a cross which Kristensen just missed to connect.
But a minute later the Paolites opened their account. Vella found Nanni in the area whose low pass was splendidly met by Bjorn Kristensen who rifled past Akpan.
Floriana were shocked on conceding and it was only on 22 minutes that they venture forward. Keqi had his shot blocked by Cini with Garcia bouncing on the round which was blocked by Izquier.
And in the 28th minute a Venancio free kick from just outside the area was saved by Jovicic. This was the best period for the Greens who in the 29th minute countered through Fonseca who found Paiber but the latters shot was well saved by Jovicic.
Floriana drew level a minute from the break following a solo run by Ryan Camenzuli which ended with a fierce shot finding the corner of the net.
Hibernians were the first to break the opposing defence when Jake Grech had his shot saved by Akpan. And two minutes later on the other end an acute shot by Kristian Keqi missed by a whisker.
On 55 minutes Mbong tried a shot from the edge of the area which was covered by Akpan and went wide. Hibernians nearly regained the lead on 66 minutes but a good shot by Grech was deflected into a corner.
But it was the league leaders who went in front in the 68th minute. Dunstan Vella was adjudged in bringing down Kristian Keqi and from the resultant penalty the Italian striker converted.
The Greens lead lasted only eight minutes as on 76 minutes Hibernians drew level. Kristensen broke free in the area passed backwards towards Jake Grech whose shot hit the bar before ending in the net.
Hibernians were now dictating matters and in the 86th minute off an Izquier cross a headed effort by substitute Groothusen ended inches over the bar. Both teams tried to steal it at the death but to no avail.