Late drama as Marsaxlokk, Hibs share six goals

Marsaxlokk 3
Hibernians 3

Making their first official appearance since their Premier League title party in May, Marsaxlokk seemed on course to a comfortable victory yesterday as, with only a minute of the second half gone, they enjoyed a two-goal lead over Hibs.

For the Paolites, the scenario was the same as last Monday when they also trailed their opponents, on that occasion Sliema, by two goals before forcing a draw with two late strikes.

Hibs repeated the rescue act yesterday, only that this time they reeled off two quickfire goals before the hour mark.

In an intriguing finale, Hibs looked to have made a significant step towards retaining the Euro Challenge Cup when Udo Nwoko put them 3-2 ahead with four minutes remaining but debutant English striker Daniel Webb rescued Marsaxlokk with a last-gasp equaliser.

Marsaxlokk only had 14 players available for yesterday's match with Webb the only new name on their team-sheet.

The departure of a host of players who contributed to Marsaxlokk's first top-flight title last season, the likes of Andrè Schembri, Daniel Bogdanovic and Luke Dimech, and the club's erstwhile failure to bring in adequate replacements, has left Brian Talbot with a diluted squad thus far.

Webb was the only foreign player on duty for Marsaxlokk yesterday as Haruna Doda failed to earn a contract extension and Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva, back from a short loan spell with Hibs, was nowhere to be seen. To make matters worse, captain Carlo Mamo is nursing an injury which forced him to skip his side's season opener just a week before Marsaxlokk's home Champions League encounter with Bosnia's FK Sarajevo.

Hibs coach Robert Gatt effected two changes from his side's 2-2 draw with Sliema as the returning Terrence Scerri replaced Argentine forward Julio Alcorse, who was among the substitutes, and Roderick Briffa came in for Andrew Cohen who was not in the squad yesterday.

After 11 minutes, Charlò Magro's long pass from the back fell in the path of the advancing Webb whose attempted lob was foiled by the advancing Mario Muscat.

Moments later, Cleaven Frendo tried his luck with a dipping shot which sailed wide of the far post.

Midway into the first half, Clayton Failla delivered a good cross from a free-kick but Aaron Xuereb's header was saved by Reuben Gauci.

Marsaxlokk had their noses in front after 26 minutes, Frendo surprising Muscat with a firm grounder after receiving from Jamie Pace.

Two minutes later, Marsaxlokk might have increased their lead but for Muscat who dived to his left to push away Malcolm Licari's free-kick.

Despite playing with one recognised forward in Webb, Marsaxlokk were the more creative side for much of the opening first half.

Their redoubtable midfield trio of Gareth Sciberras, Peter Pullicino and captain-of-the-day Pace made it hard for the likes of Pablo Doffo, Edmond Agius and Nwoko, yesterday facing his former team-mates, to provide adequate supply for their forwards.

The second half was barely a minute old when Marsaxlokk widened their margin, Frendo slotting the ball past Muscat from close range after being picked out by a lofted through-pass from Pace.

Seven minutes into the second half, Hibs dragged themselves back into contention, Doffo beating Gauci with a looping shot from a tight angle.

Within two minutes, Hibs had drawn level. Agius was the provider with a teasing cross towards Scerri who turned past Shaun Tellus before firing home. Revived by their two-goal spurt, Hibs increased their attacking endeavours. Scerri had a low strike repelled by Gauci.

Marsaxlokk tried to regain their early fluency, Frendo going wide with an angled drive and Webb having a header finishing just over.

The game became more interesting with both teams searching for a winner. Hibs' Jonathan Xerri threatened but his drive came off the post.

Nwoko came to the fore on 86 minutes as he jinked his way into the area before lifting the ball past Gauci to put Hibs ahead.

Within a minute, substitute Shaun Bajada should have equalised for Marsaxlokk but blasted high and wide from a good position.

In stoppage time, Marsaxlokk restored parity, Webb flicking home after reacting quickest to Steve Wellman's lofted cross.

In a thrilling finale, Gauci came to Marsaxlokk's rescue when parrying Scerri's goalbound header.

Marsaxlokk: R. Gauci, M. Licari, S. Wellman, C. Magro, G. Sciberras ('70 T. Templeman), P. Pullicino, K. Sammut ('55 S. Bajada), C. Frendo ('85 G. Mizzi), D. Webb, J. Pace, S. Tellus.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, K. Cassar ('76 T. Fleri Soler), C. Failla, U. Nwoko, P. Doffo, E. Agius, R. Briffa ('46 J. Xerri), T. Scerri.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Scorers: Frendo 26, 46; Doffo 52; Scerri 54; Nwoko 86; Webb 90.

Yellow cards: Pullicino; Nwoko.