Tight space... Birkirkara’s Rowen Muscat is shadowed by Hibs duo Bjorn Kristensen (left) and Andrew Cohen. Photo: Paul Zammit CutajarTight space... Birkirkara’s Rowen Muscat is shadowed by Hibs duo Bjorn Kristensen (left) and Andrew Cohen. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Birkirkara 0
Hibernians 0

Birkirkara were left to rue their profligacy in front of goal as they missed out on the runner-up spot after being held to a goalless stalemate by newly-crowned champions Hibernians yesterday.

The Stripes came into the match still licking their wounds after last week’s 2-1 defeat to direct rivals Valletta which left them needing to win yesterday’s meeting with the Paolites to take their duel for second place to the final day of the season, after the Citizens edged Balzan 1-0 on Saturday.

Inspired by the energetic display of man-of-the-match Ryan Camenzuli, Birkirkara put on a spirited performance as they outplayed the Paolites for much of the match, creating several scoring opportunities.

But, Birkirkara were repeatedly denied by Juergen Borg as the young Hibs goalkeeper effected a string of fine saves that frustrated the Stripes who could not find a way through.

In the end, the stalemate prevailed, leaving Birkirkara four points behind Valletta with the latter now certain to finish behind the Paolites whatever the result of their match against the newly-elected champions on Saturday.

The only consolation for Birkirkara was that the result assured them of third place ahead of Balzan but no doubt only success in the FA Trophy will make up for a disappointing campaign.

Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic brought in Borg to guard his team’s goal in the absence of first-choice keeper Henry Bonello who was serving a one-match ban.

Bonello was sent off in the 3-1 loss to Balzan last week which ended the Paolites’ unbeaten run, just a week after they had sealed the title.

Marko Rajic was the other change made by the Hibs mentor as the Serbian striker partnered Jorginho upfront with youngster Jurgen Degabriele starting on the bench.

Bosnian goalkeeper Mirza Hamzabegovic was handed a rare start at the expense of Justin Haber who paid the price for poor showing against Valletta last week.

With Paul Fenech ruled out by injury, Mattheus Bissi started in midfield alongside Rowen Muscat.

The match was a lively affair from the outset.

On six minutes, Birkirkara were awarded a free-kick from the distance but that didn’t stop Bissi from trying an attempt at goal, his stinging drive forcing a fine diving save from Borg.

Hibs’ response arrived from another set-piece situation as Clayton Failla’s delivery was met by Marcelo Dias but his downward header just missed the upright.

On 19 minutes, the speedy Camenzuli made headway on the right but his fierce drive flew just wide.

A minute later, Edward Herrera showed great balance to outmuscle Failla before delivering a low cross towards the unmarked Camenzuli but Borg was alert to anticipate the Birkirkara winger.

On 27 minutes, Hibs protested vehemently when Joseph Zerafa, who had already been booked, pulled back Dias but referee Fyodor Zammit was unmoved and only awarded a free-kick to the Paolites.

The match remained balanced but we had to wait until two minutes from the break for another notable action.

Rafael Ledesma’s through-ball put Ryan Scicluna clear but the Birkirkara midfielder was blocked by the onrushing Borg.

Birkirkara continued where they left off after the restart.

Inside the first minute, Scicluna powered past two opponents before hitting a fierce shot that was pushed over by Borg.

On 56 minutes, Hibernians striker Jorginho showed great footwork to move past two Birkirkara defenders before letting the ball for the sprinting Failla whose low drive was well blocked by Hamzabegovic.

On the hour, Zammit tried to add more energy to his team’s attacking play when he brought on Liliu for the tiring Ledesma.

A minute later, from a Failla cross, Soares anticipated Hamzabegovic but his header finished just wide.

On 64 minutes, the woodwork denied Birkirkara an opener as, in a swift raid, Bissi stormed forward before passing to Camenzuli on the left channel.

The Stripes winger saw his swerving drive crash against the upright with Borg beaten.

Hibs looked to be struggling to contain Birkirkara and on 69 minutes, Bjorn Kristensen came to his team’s rescue when he cleared off the line Nikola Vukanac’s header after the Birkirkara defender was set up by Mauricio Latini Mazzetti.

On 76 minutes, Nisevic made his first change when he withdrew the ineffective Rajic and roped in Luis Andre De Melo Lima as he looked to improve the support to Jorginho.

Hibs finally threatened nine minutes from time when Failla’s long-range shot flew past the upright.

The Paolites almost won it two minutes from time when Jonathan Pearson unleashed a strong drive from the edge of the area but Birkirkara custodian Hamzabegovic saved.

Birkirkara
M. Hamzabegovic-6, M. Bissi-6, N. Vukanac-6, M. Mazzetti Latini-6.5, J. Zerafa-6, E. Herrera-5.5, R. Ledesma-6 (60 Liliu-5.5), Z. Muscat-6, R. Muscat-7, R. Camenzuli-7 (82 K. Zammit), R. Scicluna-6 (79 E. Agius).

Hibernians
J. Borg-7.5, J. Pearson-6, R. Soares-5.5, M. Dias-5.5, A. Cohen-5, B. Kristensen-6.5, J. Lima-6, C. Failla-6.5, M. Rajic-5 (77 A. De Melo Lima), A. Agius-6.5, Jorginho-6.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Yellow cards: Dias; Zerafa; Hamzabegovic; Mazzetti Latini.

BOV player of the match: Ryan Camenzuli (Birkirkara).

Attendance: 1,707.

Standings

  P W D L F A Pts
Hibs 32 26 5 1 94 23 53
Valletta 32 22 3 7 73 27 47
Birkirkara 32 19 7 6 59 30 43
Balzan 32 16 8 8 58 45 39
Floriana 32 12 11 9 55 50 33
Sliema  32 10 9 13 49 53 26
Naxxar 32 8 9 15 38 50 22
Qormi 32 7 9 16 37 54 21
Mosta 32 9 6 17 37 70 21
Tarxien 32 7 9 16 32 59 20
Pietà H. 32 6 8 18 29 55 16
Żebbuġ  32 5 6 21 36 81 12

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