QORMI-1, HIBS-0

A first-half penalty by Brazilian forward Josue gave Qormi an important 1-0 win over Hibs.

The three points kept Qormi in the Championship Pool race but Hibs are now facing a real relegation scrap as this defeat left second from bottom, only two points ahead of Vittoriosa Stars who have a game in hand.

Qormi captain Joseph Farrugia tested Mario Muscat’s reflexes with a dipping long-range free-kick from which the Hibs goalkeeper tipped over the bar.

Four minutes later, Farrugia’s corner was met by Jason Vandelanoitte but his header was blocked by Muscat as Qormi continued to show the better ideas in the early stages.

Muscat saved a header by Josue and, close to the half-hour mark, Qormi’s Brazilian forward sped into the box before hitting a teasing cross that was cut out by Matthew Gauci.

With Hibs struggling for fluency, Qormi stayed on top. Josue did well to run into the box from the right but his drive was pushed away by Muscat.

All routes seemed to lead the Hibs goal at this stage. Pouncing on a rushed clearance by the Hibs defence, Vandelanoitte had a glorious chance to put Qormi ahead but he miscued his shot which rolled wide of the far post.

With eight minutes of the first half remaining, Qormi’s persistence reaped the desired rewards. They were awarded a penalty after Hibs’ defender Ryan Camilleri was deemed to have tripped Bello-Osagie as the latter stormed into the box after receiving from George Mallia.

Josue converted from the spot.

Barely two minutes later, Qormi went close again when Josue and Mallia exchanged passes after breaking on the counter but the latter’s attempt to chip Muscat was off target.

Vandelanoitte then produced a flying header that flew just wide. Minutes later, from another inviting Joseph Farrugia cross, it was Mallia who headed wide.

Hibs were more enterprising after the break. Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia did well to close down Paul McManus who had made headway in the box.

Scoring chances were few and far between for much of the opening 25 minutes of the second half as Qormi easily withstood Hibs’ tame efforts to get back into the match.

The game remained short on goalmouth action but with Hibs throwing more men upfield in search of an equaliser, Qormi threatened to punish their opponents on the counter.

Josue, the BOV player of the match, lobbed wide with only Muscat to beat and substitute Ben Camilleri had an effort saved by the Hibs goalkeeper.