Hibernians failed to grab the three points against Valletta in order to keep sole leadership when they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Tony Bezzina Stadium. Though failing to win the Paolites are still unbeaten after seven matches winning five and drawing two.

Hibernians were the better outfit during the first forty five minutes and must blame themselves for a number of missed chances.

On the other hand Valletta came into life in the last quarter of the match and saved the match, avoiding a fourth defeat.

Both sides were coming from a win in their last match. Hibernians won convincingly against Sliema by a 3-0 scoreline with Valletta also having a rather comfortable win at the expense of Sirens.

Ferdinando Apap was missing for Hibernians through suspension.

Seven minutes had gone when Hibernians threatened. Jake Grech found Dos Anjos on the right flank with his fierce drive hitting the upright with Kristensen from the rebound shooting wide off the mark.

A minute later and Degabriele was in the thick of action but his diagonal shot went over the bar.

Valletta came into the picture on 15 minutes when Jean Borg perfectly set Mario Fontanella only for his conclusion from close range being blocked by Kone.

Hibernians went near once again nearing the half hour this time through Domoraud whose shot was turned onto a corner by an alert Guarnone.

But nine minutes from half time the  Poalites took the lead.  Jake Grech played a one two with Degabriele with the ball being deflected by Camilleri before arriving into Grech’s path who with class placed the ball into the corner of the net.

Valletta started the second half brightly but it was Hibernians who went near to increased their lead in the 58th minute.  Off an Aldama cross Degabriele had his shot saved by Valletta’s Italian goalkeeper.

And midway through the second half Domoraud found Degabriele with the later missing the target by a few inches. Valletta upped their tempo for the final part of the game and in the 75th minute off a Curjuric cross Sala headed goalwards but Kone saved.

A minute later it was Valletta once again this time through Curjuric who after rounding his direct opponent had his shot saved by the Paolites goalkeeper.

Ten minutes from the end of the match Valletta drew level. Curjuric was once again involved, his pass finding substitute Shaun Dimech and the Valletta youngster fired a diagonal shot which found the corner of the net.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina