Own goal sees Hibs through

Hibernians 2
Caruana 43; Conceicao 84 og
Dingli Swallows 1
Okonkwo 34

An own goal gave champions Hibs a winning start to the 2009/10 Premier League - after their 3-1 win over Marsaxlokk had been annulled - and left Dingli Swallows heartbroken after a spirited defensive display.

Hibs' winner yesterday owed much to good fortune. Edward Herrera's cross from the right resulted in a classic own goal by Renato Conceicao. But, perhaps, the Paolites deserved their slice of luck as they peppered Dingli's goal.

Dingli Swallows, who lost 4-1 to Tarxien Rainbows in their opening Premier League match, put up a genuine fight yesterday. It was never going to be easy for Dingli against Hibernians but their gallant efforts were ultimately undone by an own goal in the final minutes.

Etienne Barbara wasted an opportunity to put the Paolities ahead after seven minutes, volleying just off target from an inviting cross by Andrew Cohen.

Dingli, predictably, were forced to mount a rearguard action in the opening exchanges but were soon showing attacking ambition to threaten Hibernians.

After 12 minutes, Barbara pounced on a loose ball in the box before seeing his attempt blocked by the onrushing Jeffrey Farrugia.

A minute later, Dingli somehow survived a frantic goalmouth scramble when referee Paul Caruana disallowed a goal for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Barbara looked particularly lively in an advanced role, as he and Cohen were quick to support new Latvian recruit Olegs Malasenoks in a fluid Hibs formation that switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Dingli's gameplan was simple as they attempted to blot out Callejas and Cohen, thereby denying the champions a mixture of flair and hard work.

Former Hibs player Andre Rocha da Silva then shot at goalkeeper Mario Muscat.

Dingli's defence was guilty of slack marking in the opening stages but escaped punishment as Barbara, Malasenoks and Callejas all failed with close-range shots.

The Swallows stunned their opponents when taking the lead on 34 minutes. Joseph Okonkwo set off on a dazzling run, shrugging off Rumen Galabov's challenge. The Nigerian forward raced through before beating goalkeeper Muscat with a delightful low strike.

Dingli's lead lasted only nine minutes. A free-kick by Cohen was deflected into the net by Hibs defender Jonathan Caruana.

Soon after the break, Okonkwo, running on the right flank, chose to shoot instead of trying to find a team-mate and the chance was lost.

But Hibs were now in the ascendancy and Barbara should have given them the lead had he not dragged his shot from few metres around the post after 69 minutes.

Dingli retreated deeper into defence thereafter, relying heavily on Farrugia's reflexes to keep the Paolites at bay.

Dingli suffered a blow 10 minutes from time when Rocha da Silva limped off to be replaced by Muscat.

Farrugia, who at times proved to be a one-man barrier for Hibs, was undone six minutes from the end when Conceicao headed the ball into his own net as he tried to clear Herrera's cross away from the advancing Malasenoks.

At the death, Hibs substitute Leighton Grech hit the post but it would have been a little too much for the unlucky Swallows.

Hibernians
M. Muscat-6, J. Caruana-6.5, E. Herrera-7 ('90 K. Cassar), R. Camilleri-6 ('75 L. Grech-5), E. Cauchi-6, J. Pearson-6, R. Galabov-5, C. Callejas-6, E. Barbara-6.5, A. Cohen-6, O. Malasenoks- 5.

Dingli Swallows
J. Farrugia-7.5, C. Caruana-5, R. Conceicao-6.5, S. Tellus-6, K. Formosa-6, V. Fiteni-5, C. Muscat-6, K. Borg-5 ('46 E. Farrugia-5), A. Rocha da Silva-7 ('80 J. Muscat), J. Okonkwo-7, D. Zarb-5 ('61 R. Spiteri-5).

Referee: Paul Caruana.

Yellow cards: Borg; Barbara; Galabov.

BoV player of the match: Jeffrey Farrugia (Dingli).