Hibernians 1
Grech 75
Qormi 1
Grima 50 pen.
Hibs win 5-3 on pens

For the second time in four days, Hibs emerged victorious despite finishing a match with 10 men.

In midweek, the champions edged past Msida 1-0 in a league game despite having Leighton Grech sent off in the first half and yesterday, they hit back after Rumen Galabov was dismissed early in the second half, to beat Qormi in a penalty shoot-out and advance to the fourth round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup.

Goalkeeper Mario Muscat made the crucial save from Alfred Effiong as Hibs kept their cool to convert all their five penalties.

Etienne Barbara, Olegs Malasenoks, Adrian Pulis, Christian Callejas and Tristan Caruana hit the target for Hibernians in the shoot-out as the Paolites avenged their 3-1 league upset to Qormi last month.

Qormi and Hibernians had some key players missing yesterday. Brazilian striker Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo, Joseph Farrugia and Keith Fenech were absent from Jesmond Zerafa's team while Mark Miller had to make do without the likes of Andrew Cohen, Jonathan Caruana, Jonathan Pearson, Aaron Xuereb and Ben Camilleri.

Qormi's fluidity and slick passing is a feature of their game no matter who is in their line-up and Joseph Chetcuti shot straight into Muscat's hands inside the first five minutes.

The opening stages were dominated by Qormi. Effiong should have put them ahead after 34 minutes when Muscat, charging out of his area to intercept a ball, moved upfield only to lose possession.

The Nigerian striker had a clear sight of goal but Ryan Camilleri recovered in time to clear the danger.

Hibernians' confidence grew as the first half moved on. Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia tipped Malasenoks's header over the bar after the Latvian striker had met Edward Herrera's cross.

Qormi were enjoying more possession but they looked somewhat vulnerable when defending high balls.

Three minutes from half-time, Qormi's Farrugia parried away Matthew Tabone's header.

Something had to change for Qormi and it did as they enjoyed a dream start to the second half. Galabov was sent off for hauling down Effiong in the box and Massimo Grima fired home from the spot to give Qormi the lead.

As Hibs surged forward, Qormi looked to punish their opponents with counter-attacks. Chetcuti should have put the game out of Hibs' reach on the hour but failed to take his chance.

Malasenoks, who posed a constant aerial threat to Qormi, had two quickfire chances and with his second attempt, the Latvian hit just wide.

Chetcuti did likewise as Qormi were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when they were hit on the break by the pace of Leighton Grech.

With 15 minutes remaining, the Hibs youngster advanced down the left and squared to Barbara who quickly returned the ball to Grech who was on hand to rifle home.

Neither team appeared too keen for the match to be decided by penalties and tried to force the pace in the dying minutes.

Qormi might have snatched a late winner but were denied by Muscat who saved from Grima in stoppage time.

Hibernians
M. Muscat, R. Camilleri, A. Pulis, C. Callejas, O. Malasenoks, T. Caruana, E. Herrera, M. Tabone ('68 Y. Cauchi), L. Grech ('87 I. Scerri), R. Galabov, E. Barbara.

Qormi
M. Farrugia, R. Dos Santos, M. Grima, K. Spiteri, G. Chircop ('81 R. Cauchi), S. Wellman, J. Chetcuti, S. Pace, M. Buttigieg, R. Sammut, A. Effiong.

Referee: Andrè Arciola.

Red card: Galabov (H) 50.

Penalty sequence: Barbara (H) scores 1-0; Wellman (Q) scores 1-1; Malasenoks (H) scores 2-1; Effiong (Q) misses 2-1; Pulis (H) scores 3-1; Ramon (Q) scores 3-2; Callejas (H) scores 4-2; Chetcuti (Q) scores 4-3; Caruana (H) scores 5-3.