Hibernians and Floriana figured out a 1-1 draw with the Paolites missing the chance to take sole leadership. It was a balanced affair with Hiberians dominating the first half with the Greens responding well in the second half. This result neither pleased  Hibernians nor Floriana. In fact the Paolites missed the chance to take sole leadership with Hamrun Spartans and Gzira undoubtedly welcoming this outcome.

On the other hand it was another setback for the reigning Champions who are now in deep trouble and have to pull up their socks immediately if they want to avoid a relegation battle further on. They have now lost five of their last seven matches.

Bjorn Kristensen was missing for Hibernians with John Buttigieg relegating Akpan, Piaber and Cini to the bench. In the first round,Hibernians beat Floriana  by a 3-1 score.

The first chance came Hibernians way when in the 14th minute a diagonal shot by Fonseca was blocked by goalkeeper Cassar. But the Greens custodian could do nothing six minutes later when a beautiful shot from the edge of the area by Dunstan Vella found the corner of the net.

Floriana went near for the first time eight minutes from the break when a Cheversan shot on the turn ended just wide. But the best of Floriana materialized in added time. First off a Dias cross a Keqi header hit the crossbar. And seconds later a long range shot by Arias Ulises was saved by Calleja Cremona.

Seven minutes into the second half  Hibernians threatened once again with Fonseca finding Grech in the area but the latters shot went wide off the mark. Floriana drew level in the 58th minute. It was Busuttil who found Cheveresan with the Brazilian setting Kristian Keqi who fired a wonder from the edge of the area beating Cassar all ends up. And on the hour mark Keqi’s acute shot from the right side just missed the target.

On 87 minutes an Izqueir free kick was met by an Iriberri header but his effort ended wide. In added time Siraj Arab could have grabbed victory for Floriana but his shot following a good run was blocked by Calleja Cremona.

Photo Domenic Aquilina