Leaders Hibernians dropped their first points of the season when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tarxien Rainbows at the National Stadium.

The Paolites entered the match in high spirits after winning their opening seven matches of the Premier League campaign and quickly asserted their dominance.
Hibs made a fast start and after two minutes Luis Edison saw his effort pushed away by Cini and from the rebound Jorginho fired over.

The Paolites threatened against on eight minutes when Marcelo Dias sent a dipping cross towards Jorginho who saw his header finish just over.

On 22 minutes Luis Edison released Bjorn Kristensen but his low drive flashed just wide of the far post.

Hibs took the lead on 35 minutes when from a free-kick action Clayton Failla sent a curling drive that flew past a diving Sean Cini.

On the restart, Hibs maintained the initiative but their plans were complicated on 64 minutes when Marcelo Dias committed a second bookable offence and was dismissed.

Tarxien drew courage now and they managed to draw level on 74 minutes.
They were awarded a corner and Alvaro’s cross was met by Alessandro Lopes Pereira who nodded the ball towards Wesley who stabbed the ball home from close in.

In his goal celebrations the Tarxien striker seemed to make some gestures towards the Hibs fans and referee Borg promptly showed him a second yellow card and dismissed him to the chargrin of the Rainbows clan.

With the numerical parity restored, Hibs tried to force a second goal but Tarxien held on to secure a hard-fought point.

Tarxien forward Alvaro was voted as the BOV Player of the match.

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