Soft goals leave Hibs with a mountain to climb

Expectations were running high during half-time of Wednesday's Champions League match between Hibernians and Irish side Shelbourne at the National Stadium. Hibernians were leading Shelbourne 2-1 and a Maltese victory in the coveted Champions League looked a distinct possibility.

Having decided to relinquish my seat in the press box in favour of a place among spectators, mostly Hibernians officials, fans and players' relatives in the Ta' Qali VIP zone, I allowed myself to be swept away by the fluctuations of the game on a mild Mediterranean evening.

Hibernians were playing against foreign opposition and as a Maltese citizen, I made my way to the stadium with the intention of cheering the Paolites. Although I had been away from work for a couple of days, my impression in the build-up to the game was that Hibernians had a realistic chance of giving their Irish opponents a good run for their money, despite the limitations plaguing local football.

After an uneventful start, Shelbourne stunned Hibernians with a surprise lead on six minutes, a looping cross from the left by Ollie Cahill eluding the static Paolites' defence and giving striker Stuart Byrne ample time and space to direct the ball home.

A soft goal in Shelbourne's first foray into the Hibs' defence had left a Maltese side facing an uphill struggle... the same old story. Those who regularly follow the fortunes of the Malta national team and Maltese clubs on the international stage could not help but be gripped by a back-to-square-one feeling.

Within a minute of Shelbourne's opener, however, Hibernians had restored parity, thus renewing my optimism of a victory for the Maltese side.

Adrian Ciantar, who has firmly established himself as one of the most influential midfielders not only in the Hibs' team but in the entire Premier League, delivered a trademark pinpoint cross from the left which Ndubisi Chukunyere gently planted into the net with a first-time volley.

I was up on my feet, jumping for joy and relief at seeing a Maltese side hitting back immediately to haul themselves back into contention.

Resuscitated by Chukunyere's goal and urged on by their supporters, Robert Gatt's troops grew in composure as their Irish opponents began to betray signs of uneasiness.

Their 4-4-2 tactical disposition was looking vulnerable in the face of Hibs' pressure, embodied by the mesmerising Chukunyere whose dexterous runs and feints had the Irish defence in a constant state of disarray.

While Chukunyere's livewire qualities lit up Ta' Qali, Ciantar's astute movement in the middle of the park allied to his exquisite delivery with his left foot, were equally decisive to Hibs' improvement. Silvio Vella, probably playing his last match for Hibernians at Ta' Qali after his decision to quit football, was also marshalling the Hibs' defence well.

After a series of Chukunyere's moves had the Hibs' fans chanting his name, the excitement rose as the Paolites nosed in front eight minutes before half-time. Ciantar's delightful free-kick had the beating of the Shelbourne goalkeeper but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar only for defender Adrian Pulis to push the ball home from point blank.

This goal and Shelbourne's trouble in dealing with the Hibs' pressure strengthened the general belief that the locals were more than a match for their full-time opponents. But question marks persisted over Hibs' stamina and ability to maintain their focus and tactical discipline throughout the 90 minutes.

How many times had we seen Maltese teams showing flashes of good, intelligent football only to be undone by a lapse in concentration which often results in a goal?

For a brief period, that fear was cast aside as Hibs began the second half confidently although their pressure on their modest opponents was not as intense as one would have expected on the evidence of the first half.

In the stands, the optimism was still high as Chukunyere and Ciantar, backed by the hard running of Peter Pullicino, continued to unnerve the Shelbourne defence. But after a couple of dangerous raids, the Paolites' initiative went fizzling out against opponents who could bank on superior physical qualities.

Until midway into the second half, Shelbourne had opted for a waiting game but the pace of players like Cahill and Baker remained a threat for the Hibs' defence. Shelbourne sounded out a warning when a typical move on the left ended with a cross that Molloy headed fractionally wide.

Moments later, Shelbourne drew level in almost identical fashion in the 67th minute... another service from the left, the Hibs' defence failed to clear, goalkeeper Mario Muscat remained on the goalline and the unmarked Jim Gannon stooped to head the ball into the net.

Hibernians tried to react but did not have the legs to hit back with the same vigour as they did in the first half. Shelbourne were clearly happy to settle for a 2-2 draw, a fact underlined by their time-wasting theatrics in the final minutes.

Although no-one at the National Stadium faulted Hibs' committed performance, none could help but feel that their best effort was yet again hampered by the old failings which have undermined Maltese football for decades. The preparation was good, the players gave it their best shot but when are we going to cut on soft goals?

Shelbourne, the lucky Irish champions, are now the favourites to earn the right to play Portuguese side Boavista in the second qualifying round after this two-all draw. Hibernians have a mountain to climb but not all is lost yet. Although their opponents are superior physically, they are not unbeatable.

The Maltese champions are likely to have to contend with an intimidating atmosphere in next Wednesday's return leg at Tolka Park but if they approach the game in the right frame of mind and have the belief that they can score a goal away, they can still do it.

If Hibs are to have a crack at their opponents in Ireland, they have to remain focused throughout the 90 minutes and refrain from giving away possession cheaply as they did in the second half of last Wednesday's first leg.

League match postponed

Meanwhile, the eircom League on Wednesday announced that the request of Bray Wanderers and Shelbourne to postpone Sunday's League match at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray between the two clubs, has been accepted. The match will now be played on Monday August 5.

"The rearranging of the fixture has been sanctioned by the League in the interest of allowing Shelbourne the optimum preparation period before their second leg Champions League match against Hibernians from Malta on Wednesday next in Tolka Park," an eircom League statement said.