QORMI-0, HIBERNIANS-2

Champions Hibernians kept their dream of a league and cup double alive after beating Qormi 2-0 to set up a final clash with Birkirkara on Saturday.

Hibernians' win was never in doubt as they controlled the semi-final against a battling Qormi side who lacked the firepower to trouble their more-quoted opponents.

Hibernians made the early running.

In the early stages, Andrew Cohen tested Matthew Farrugia with a low free-kick but the Qormi goalkeeper managed to save in two attempts.

Hibernians threatened again when Jorginho capitalised on a half-clearance to burst clear but Farrugia dashed out of goal to deny the Brazilian. 

The champions opened the scoring on 11 minutes. Cohen's teasing cross, from a free-kick, triggered a goalmouth melee and defender Andrei Agius profited to flick past Farrugia.

Qormi grew in confidence as the first half progressed.

Six minutes from half-time, Qormi appealed for a penalty after striker Alex Nilsson went down under Jackson Lima's challenge but referee Trustin Farrugia Cann waved play on.

On the brink of half-time, Bjorn Kristensen threatened to hit Qormi on the counter as the Malta midfielder ran clear but his firm drive was parried away by the alert Farrugia.

Qormi coach Mark Miller brought on Marcelo for Uzeh Edafe. 
Early in the second half, Gustavo Villalobos's run left a host of Hibs defenders giving chase before he crossed into the box but Henry Bonello was quick off his line to anticipate Grech.

Close to the hour, Lima produced a stinging drive that Farrugia tipped over the bar.
The game was over as a contest when Hibernians doubled their lead on 65 minutes. 

Rodolfo Soares began the move as his intelligent pass from midfield was picked up by the speeding Jorginho who curled the ball past the diving Farrugia.

Johann Bezzina then fired over from the distance and, at the other end, Villalobos laid the ball back for Nilsson but his central grounder brought a routine save from Bonello.

With 14 minutes remaining, Qormi were unlucky not to revive their hopes as Marcelo's rising free-kick shook the crossbar.

A brilliant move by Hibernians should have produced a third goal as Joseph Mbong, who had replaced Dias, squared to Kristensen who freed Cohen but the Hibs captain hit wide from close range.

With four minutes left, Bonello denied Qormi when blocking Grech's low shot.
Hibs threatened to increase their lead in the closing stages but Jorginho's header, from Clayton Failla's cross, came off the woodwork.