Hibernians returned to winning ways and temporarily to the top of the standings beating Balzan with a late Ferdinando Apap strike in a keenly contested and balanced affair.

Balzan, as expected gave Hibernians a very good run for their money and aklmost snatched a point, a point that would have complicated Hibernians’ run towards the title. Sanderra’s boys can now wait for Floriana’s turn to face Sirens this afternoon with the Greens eager to return to the top ahead of next week’s top of the table clash between Hibernians and Floriana.

Balzan had the first attempt at goal when Uros Ljubomirac tested Kone and seconds later on the other end Jake Grech had a shot at goal with his effort going slightly over the bar.

On 23 minutes Joseph Zerafa almost deceived Vranes with a harmless looking effort that almost deceived the Balzan custodian. Two minutes later Vranes was more alert stopping another effort from Degabriele.

On 29 minutes Milan Duric fired a good shot from a distance with Kone blocking his effort. This was a good patch for Balzan and on 35 minutes Ljubomirac crossed towards Paul Fenech whose header was well saved by Kone. Just before the break Jake Grech won a ball in the heart of the Balzan defence but failed to hit the target from close range.

On the resumption the match was rather quite in the opening minutes with Balzan breaking the ice when on the hour Andrejic’s cross shot was well saved by Kone. On 76 minutes Degabriele was denied by a Vranes save and minutes later Kone was at his best to deny Andrejic.

When the scoreless draw seemed the obvious outcome for this match, Ferdinando Apap scored a dramatic winner. Aldama’s cross from the right was met by Apap who fired home. With Balzan now in disarray Hibernians went for more with Jake Grech’s shot brilliantly blocked by Vranes, and a Domoraud header just missed the target.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina