HIBERNIANS-1, FLORIANA-0

Hibs gained their first win in five matches after edging Floriana 1-0 in a tense match at the Tedesco Stadium.

The Paolites secured the points thanks to Jackson Lima's second-half header but they had to fight very hard to see off the resilient Greens who, despite missing several players, put up a brave challenge.

Floriana also felt hard done by referee Glenn Tonna's decision to dismiss Valdo Alhinho as they appeared to argue that it was not the Portuguese who had committed the foul which earned him a second yellow card.

Tonna stuck to his decision and Floriana, who have now gone five matches without a win, were unable to find an equaliser despite their bold effortsA balanced first half produced a hatful of chances but no goals. Jackson Lima tried his luck with a rising shot which ended over.

Floriana midfielder Thomas Paris supplied a through-ball to Ryan Darmanin but the latter was dispossessed by Ryan Camilleri.On 19 minutes, Mario Muscat, the Hibs goalkeeper pulled off a fine save to push away Valdo Alhinho's cross-shot. Muscat then saved Aman Verma's grounder as Floriana enjoyed a good spell.

Tony Warner, the Floriana goalkeeper, also brought off a good save as he extended himself to keep out Adrian Pulis's dipping effort from a wide position.Andrew Cohen then header over from Marcelo Dias's cross before Muscat turned Thomas Paris's grounder around the near post.

Hibs lacked flair in the opening stages but they created two good chances before half-time. Lima's free-kick was saved by Warner who, on the stroke of half-time, blocked another effort by the Brazilian midfielder who had been set up by Cohen.Five minutes into the second half, Lima rifled wide from outside the box.

Hibs stormed in front 10 minutes into the second half when Lima swooped at the far post to head Marcelo Dias's cross past Warner.Floriana had a good chance to level matters when Paris's floating pass released Darmanin but the lanky forward mishit his volley.

On 67 minutes, Floriana were reduced to 10 men when Alhinho received a second booking for a foul on Clayton Failla. Alhinho's dismissal sparked a minor commotion as the Portuguese midfielder and his Floriana team-mates were angered by referee Glenn Tonna's decision.With 12 minutes left, Warner pushed Lima's drive away for a corner. In stoppage time, Darmanin missed a golden chance as he mishit his shot from inside the box.

Hibs' midfielder Lima was voted BOV player of the match.

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