Hibernians 2
Jorginho 32; Lima 45;
Naxxar Lions 2
Jorge 22; Toure 90;

Naxxar’s Demba Toure (left) keeping the ball away from Rui da Gracia Gomes, of Hibernians. Photo: Jason BorgNaxxar’s Demba Toure (left) keeping the ball away from Rui da Gracia Gomes, of Hibernians. Photo: Jason Borg

Hibernians made an unconvincing start to life without Luis Edison as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Naxxar Lions who rescued a point at the death thanks to Demba Toure’s well-placed shot.

Edison’s transfer to Seoul E-Land stripped the leaders off their most prolific striker but yesterday Jorginho and Jackson Lima struck for the Paolites after Jorge’s shock lead to compensate, at least on this occasion.

However, Hibernians were unable to wrap up the match with a third goal and Naxxar punished them with practically the last kick of the game.

Hibernians’ starting XI showed a few changes from the 2-0 derby win over Tarxien Rainbows last week.

Edison was replaced by Marko Rajic as Andrei Agius’s absence, due to suspension, forced Branko Nisevic to effect a string of positional changes. Jonathan Pearson partnered Rodolfo Soares at the heart of the defence, John Paul Farrugia filled in at right-back and Rui da Gracia Gomes was positioned on the left flank.

Suspension deprived Naxxar of their chief threat – Gilmar.

Yet, coach Jesmond Zerafa sprung a surprise when he opted for Demba Toure instead of Frank Temile to replace Gilmar up front.

Toure immediately repaid Zerafa’s faith when he ran to reach Pablo Doffo’s pass before slicing open the Hibs defence with a slick ball to Jorge who sidestepped his marker and dispatched a low shot into the far corner of the net.

After that early shock, Hibernians toiled to make headway in attack.

They did try to stage a reaction but their persistence in attacking through the middle often meant they ran into a wall of red shirts.

Then, on 32 minutes, Clayton Failla turned well on the edge of the box before hitting a low shot which Julian Azzopardi stopped in style.

From the ensuing corner, Jackson Lima’s delivery was not cleared and the ball drifted towards the near post where Jorginho, his back to goal, still managed to apply a faint touch to the ball and score an equaliser.

Hibs roared forward and penned Naxxar in their own half. Zerafa’s men refused to lie down but on the stroke of half-time, Lima rose unimpeded inside the box to head Failla’s free-kick into the net.

With Bjorn Kristensen pulling the strings in midfield and Farrugia opting for substance over style, Hibs were now pushing forward with more intent. Andrew Cohen was inches wide after receiving from Failla.

A fast move by Hibernians on 76 minutes had Failla crossing towards Cohen at the far post but his first-timer was kept out by Azzopardi.

Failla’s corner ten minutes from time caused havoc in the Naxxar defence but Azzopardi punched the ball away.

Two minutes later, Rajic’s perfectly-weighted cross soared over substitute Ryan Cassar and into the path of Jorginho whose grounder was parried by Azzopardi.

Hibernians suffered a scare when Jurgen Debono, another Naxxar substitute, went down under the challenge of Lima but referee Alan Mario Sant waved play on.

Just when it looked as though the Paolites had done enough to hold on to their narrow lead, Naxxar hit back deep into stoppage time.

Mattia del Negro floated a teasing ball into the penalty area and Toure stole in from behind the defenders to slot his shot home.

Hibernians
H. Bonello-6, R. Soares-6, J. Pearson-5.5 (72 K. Tanti), R. Da Gracia Gomes-5.5, A. Cohen-6.5 (78 J. Bezzina), B. Kristensen-7.5, Joringho-6, Jackson Lima-7, M. Rajic-6, J.P. Farrugia-7 (75 J. Mbong), C. Failla-7.

Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-7, A. Scicluna-6, I. Edet-6.5, T. Vella-5 (46 R. Cassar-5), M. Del Negro-6.5, D. Toure-7, D. Falzon-5.5 (62 J. Debono-5), P. Doffo-6 (66 F. Temile-5.5), A. Buhagiar-6, Jorge-6.5, A. Bruce-6.5.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant.

Yellow cards: Bruce, Falzon, Buhagiar, Kristensen, Mbong.

BOV player of the match: Jackson Lima (Hibernians).

Attendance: 1,396.

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