Hibernians failed to win for the third time in a row this time being held by neighbours Sta Lucia in a goalless draw. But so far they remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League.
Their opponents Santa Lucia were now under the guidance of Giovanni Tedesco, a coach who has been at the helm of a number of Premier League clubs. So his experience will be an add on for the Saints, in dire need of points in order to avoid the drop.
This was the second draw between these two teams this season following a 1-1 draw in their first round encounter.
The Saints looked determined more than in recent matches to take home a positive result and in fact they managed to do so. Considering circumstances it was a disciplined show from Sta Lucia which instills confidence and hope for the future. For them Haber was back in goal with Tanti and Conti given a starting role instead of Plut and McKay. As for Hibernains Sanderra opted for his traditional line up of recent matches.
The first action materialized in the 20th minute when it was Hibernians who ventured forward but Wilfried Domoraud’s headed effort missed the target. Hibernians kept pressing forward and keeping their opponents in their half. In fact ten minutes from the end of the first half a free kick by Jurgen Degabriele found Leandro Almeida who volleyed towards goal but Justin Haber was on the alert to block his effort with danger being finally cleared away by the Saints rearguard.
In the 38th minute Haber saved well on Domoraud. With the Saints replying through Tanti who made his way past Calleja Cremona but found Apap clearing away the ball to safety. And minutes later Conti tested Calleja Cremona with a shot from just outside the area.
The first part of the second period was rather dull with both teams failing to create. And it was only midway through the second period that Hibernians went near. Ferdinando Apap supplied the cross from the right side finding Wilfried Domoraud who dropped the ball into Erjon Beu’s path only for the latters shot to end inches wide.
In the 75th minute Jurgen Degabriele took charge of a corner which hit directly the upright. And seconds later the Paolites hit the woodwork once again this time through a Dunstan Vella conclusion.
Eight minutes from the end Santa Lucia responded but an Alan da Silva Souza shot missed the target.
Photo Domenic Aquilina
