New look Valletta under the guidance of new coach Thane Micallef left a good impression in their first outing against none others the champions Hibernians. The result was fair in this balanced and keenly contested affair between these two rivals of recent years in local football.

There was some curiosity to see this Valletta outfit with several changes after a dismal season and after a ratherdifficult summer for the Valletta administration. Valletta dominated the first 25 minutes of the game, but then the champions, slowly but surely grew in composure and were the better. However Valletta managed to take the in the second half, but their you was shortlived as Hibernians obtained an immediate equaliser. Hibernians finished in crescendo as the Citizens gasped for breath, but in the end the result left everyone happy as no one deserved to leave the field empty handed.

Speaking about fields, the state of the surface of the Tony Bezzina Stadium leaves much to be desired, resembling a field rather than a football surface, with players contiuosly struggling to hold their balance.

Valletta had several newcomers in their side, with Ruiz proving to be of utmost imprtance in the Valletta rearguard which was the weakest department last season. Canadian Kamdem had a very good start but faded away in the second half, Brandon Paiber played a diligent match in midfield, with Bevis and Akpoveta giving their hearts out in attack, but never really dangerous in front of goal.

Pena Beltre was outstanding on the right flank with his surging runs creating some difficult moments to the Hibs defence, and the Valletta well taken goal by Shaun Dimech came from one of his runs.

Hibernians struggled to find their feet and the pace of the game in the first 25 minutes, but then Diakite and Llerne drew in composure and Hibernians were in command. Hibernians are physically more prepared than their opponents having already played six games in european competitions and this in the end gave them the edge. Hibernians welcomed back Bjorn Kristensen and in the second half even Andrei Agius, but were without Dunstan Vella who was sorely missed.

New signing Jairo Morillas came on late in the game and had a good opportunity but balsetd over the bar. Kone made the most spectacular save of the game in the dying moments when he denied Ruiz whose header looked destined for the back of the net.

The goals. Valletta took the lead on 57 minutes when Pena Beltre darted forward before passing towards Shaun Dimech who fired home for a very good goal. Four minutes later Hibernians were back on level terms when a Ruiz clearance hit Jean Borg with the ball falling in front of Llerna who fired a beauty with his right foot with the ball finishing in the top corner of the net.

 Photo: Domenic Aquilina