Hibs down Valletta

VALLETTA-0, HIBS-1

Hibs improved their chances of winning the pre-season Euro Cup competition after they pulled off a hard-earned 1-0 win over Valletta at the Centenary Stadium.

Jean Paul Farrugia’s early strike was enough for Hibs to inflict defeat on the champions, giving them their second win in as many matches after their 5-0 mauling of Birkirkara.

Victory tasted sweeter for the Hibs fans as it came not only against their bitter rivals but also meant a first defeat for coach Mark Miller who left the Paolites to coach Valletta in the close season.

The first half had been keenly-contested as Valletta and Hibs attacked from the start.

In the early stages, Mario Muscat mishandled Michael Mifsud’s shot but to the Hibs goalkeeper’s relief, the ball sailed wide.

Dutch goalkeeper André Krul, who was making his first start for Valletta, parried away Marcelo Dias’s firm drive.

After seeing his close-range shot blocked by Muscat, Mifsud had a great chance to put Valletta in front on 12 minutes. Latching onto a through-ball from Jhonnattann, Mifsud tried to lob Muscat but his attempt was high and wide.

Four minutes later, Hibs took the lead, Farrugia tapping home from close in after Krul had parried away Andrew Cohen’s grounder from inside the box.

Valletta almost drew level on 31 minutes but Ricardo Filho’s header, following a corner by Jhonnattann, was deflected onto the crossbar.

In first-half stoppage time, Valletta should have made it 1-1 when, in a goalmouth melee, the ball broke to Jhonnattann who turned well but his near-post effort ended wide.

Six minutes into the second half, Cohen’s through-ball released Dias but the Brazilian hit wide.

Valletta would have levelled but for a fine save by Muscat who touched away Denni’s close-range shot after the Brazilian had run into the box. Denni’s header, from Jhonnattann’s corner, grazed the post as Valletta pushed for an equaliser.

The Citizens wasted another great chance when Jhonnattann passed to the unmarked Mifsud inside the box but the latter’s effort was deflected away for a corner by Ryan Camilleri.

Just past the hour, Muscat blocked another Denni attempt but, from the ensuing action, Cohen was deemed to have blocked Denni’s flick with his hands. Referee Pisani pointed to the spot but William Barbosa blasted his shot over the bar.

Sixteen minutes from time, Jhonnattann missed another golden chance to equalise for Valletta when firing over after receiving from Briffa.

Kevin Sammut, who had just replaced Borg, released Jhonnattann in the box seven minutes from the end but the Brazilian’s attempt was cleared away by Camilleri.

Hibs threatened to kill the game when trialist Ndekre Elie Moises broke clear on the counter but his attempt was blocked by Krul.

Cohen was close with a swerving free-kick which flew past the far post.