Floriana maintained the pace with league leaders Birkirkara beating Hibernians thanks to two penalties, one in each half.

The victory consolidates Floriana's position in the top two of the standings, a position that would mean a sure place in the play-offs for the title at the end of the season of this new-format Premier League.

Floriana were surely the better team, even if at the end they only grabbed the two points thanks to two penalties.

The Greens however dictated matters for long periods, with Hibernians only having a good reaction in the middle part of the second half.

Floriana had their first opportunity on two minutes when Zammit Lonardelli fried over the bar following a Jake Grech freekick. Five minutes later Zammit Lonardelli found the back of the net but his goal was ruled offside.

Floriana set the agenda in the opening minutes and Sasere effort just missed the target. Half way through the first half Floriana had another goal disallowed, a goal scored by Sasere, but again the goal was ruled off side.

Finally Floriana broke the deadlock on 35 minutes when

Sacco floored Franklin Sasere and the same Sasere made no mistake from the resultant penalty.

Sixty seconds later Hibernians had their first glimpse of goal with a Jurgen Degabriele drive going over the bar.

Sixty seconds into the second half it was Hibs' turn to have a goal disallowed, a goal scored by Nunes in an offside position. On 63 minutes Hibs goalkeeper Sacco made a good save off a Zammit Lonardelli drive.

Three minutes later Mafoumbi saved a Felicio header and some moments later Bastianos served

Degabriele who hit high when well placed. This was Hibs' best parch and on 75 minutes Kristensen missed the best opportunity for the Paolites when he blasted high from an ideal position.

Floriana had to wait till stoppage time to put their minds at rest when Hibs goalkeeper Sacco committed the second penalty of the day when he floored Veselji. Sacco received the second booking and Kristensen had to go between the sticks as the Paolites had already made all their substitutions. From the penalty spot Jake Grech made no mistake against his former club to seal it for the Greens.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina