Second-half burst sees Hibs through

Hibernians 3
Vandelannoite 48; Soares 55; Cohen 72;
Balzan Youths 0

Hibernians put the disappointment of missing out on the league title behind them when they scored three second-half goals to see off Balzan Youths at the National Stadium yesterday.

As the scoreline clearly indicates, Hibs’ win was never in doubt as Mark Miller’s men were clearly a cut above their faltering opponents. But for some excellent goalkeeping by Balzan custodian Matthew Camilleri, Hibs, the league runners-up, would have won by a far bigger margin.

The first half ended goalless but the Paolites seemed to step up a gear after the break. They punished Balzan’s difficulties in defending set-pieces to strike two quick goals, both from corners, in the early stages before man-of-the-match Andrew Cohen wrapped up the points with a fine strike 18 minutes from time.

Hibs coach Miller opted to rest Luis Edison, his chief goalscorer, ahead of the FA Trophy semi-finals as Brazilian Marcelo Dias and Cohen spearheaded their team’s forward line.

Balzan were without Jonathan Francica, suspended. His place was taken by Miguel Ciantar who took up a roaming attacking role with Nikola Tasic dropped to central defence.

As expected, it was Hibs who made all the running but they struggled to break down the Balzan rearguard.

The clock marked four minutes of the game played when Clayton Failla made headway on the right before firing a rasping drive that was blocked by Camilleri, the Balzan keeper.

The Paolites threatened again on 18 minutes when Failla’s inswinging cross found Ryan Camilleri who flicked the ball into the path of Cohen but the latter’s diving header finished just over.

Hibs protested for a penalty on 29 minutes when Yessous Camilleri looked to have handled the ball in an attempt to block Jason Vandelannoite’s shot but referee Glen Tonna waved play on.

A minute later Cohen advanced on the left and his cross was met by Dias who nodded wide. Ten minutes from the break, Cohen’s free-kick was off target.

Hibs continued to lay siege on the Balzan goal and a minute from the break, Edward Herrera embarked on a mazy run before hitting a low drive that was parried away by the alert Camilleri.

After the interval, the Paolites raised their game and immediately forced a breakthrough. They were awarded a corner on the right and, from Failla’s cross, Vandelannoite sent his thumping header past Camilleri.

Balzan continued to have problems defending set-pieces and it came as no surprise when the Paolites doubled their lead.

Ten minutes from the start of the second half had passed when Jackson Lima sent a cross towards the far post and in came Rodolfo Soares who stabbed the ball home.

To make matters worse for Balzan, two minutes later they were reduced to 10 men when Jamie Pace was shown a straight red for a poor challenge on Cohen.

Two goals to the good, Miller opted to rope in a number of youngsters as he introduced Ayrton Azzopardi and Brandon Muscat for Jonathan Pearson and Jackson Lima respectively.

Despite these changes, the Paolites remained on top and wrapped up the points with a third goal on 72 minutes.

Cohen drifted towards the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful drive that flew past the helpless Camilleri.

The Malta playmaker remained Hibs’ most dangerous player. He almost struck his second goal seven minutes from time but his curler was tipped away for a corner by Camilleri.

Balzan substitute Lydon Micallef had a golden chance to pull one back for his team when he stormed clear only to be stopped by Ryan Camilleri as he was about to shoot.

Hibernians
M. Muscat-6, J. Pearson-6.5 (59 A. Azzopardi-6), R. Soares-7, C. Failla-6.5, J. Vandelannoite-6.5, B. Kristensen-6 (75 L. Edison), J. Lima-6.5 (60 B. Muscat-6), E. Herrera-6, A. Cohen-7.5, M. Dias-6, R. Camilleri-6.5.

Balzan Youths
M. Camilleri-6.5, R. Farrugia-6, Y. Camilleri-6, R. Forace-6, N. Tasic-5, B. Guga-5.5, J. Pace, B. Bondin-6 (78 N. Zammit), M. Ciantar-5.5 (69 M. Borg-4), G. Bonello-5 (54 L. Micallef-5), M. Deanov-6.

Referee: Glen Tonna.

Yellow cards: Guga; Kristensen; Bondin.

Red card: Pace (B) 57.

BOV player of the match: Andrew Cohen (Hibs).