Late drama was the highlight of this match between Hibernians and Birkirkara, two sides used to fight for the title, but now both distant from the title race.

The match was boring at times, but the final moments made this game a thrilling affair with Hibernians taking the lead on 85 minutes, a goal that semmed to be the winner, but there was more to come as a late penalty deep in stoppage time saved the Stripes from defeat.

This was the second consecutive match in which in the Stripes hit late. They grabbed the three points against Valletta last week  with a stoppage time Coppola header and yesterday they earned a point in similar fashion.

For Hibernians this was a lost opportunity to go ahead of Birkirkara in the standings as they both chase Marsaxlokk for fourth place in the standings, a fourth place that could prove useful for a berth in the Conference League next season.

The start of the match was rather slow with both sides unable to create scoring opportunities.

Play was mainly in midfield with errors from both in the construction and the final pass.

The first attempt came on 29 minutes from Antwi with his shot going wide and ten minutes later a chance for Birkirkara with Kone blocking Paul Mbong who was well served by Satariano.

Six minutes into the second half it was Mbong’s turn to pass towards Satariano whose effort was saved by Kone.

Just before the hour Birkirkara appealed for a penalty for a foul on Pena Beltre, but their appeals were turned down by the referee.

Four minutes later a Radchenko dipper missed the Birkirkara post by a whisker.

The game was now alive with both sides in search of the lead and Birkirkara missed a great opportunity when substitute Maxuell Maia failed to score when alla lone in front of goal with his feeble effort saved by Kone.

Hibernians took the lead on 85 minutes with a well taken goal with Bairam opening towards Chukunyere who made no mistake in front of goal.

The goal had all the ingredients of a winner but Birkirkara did not throw in the towel and on 95 minutes Andrea Zammit was floored inside the area with the same ex-Valletta striker converting from the spot to give the Stripes a precious point.

 Photo: Domenic Aquilina