PEMBROKE ATHLETA-1; HIBERNIANS-1

Hibernians' title hopes suffered a blow this afternoon after the champions were held to a one-all draw by Pembroke Athleta.

The Paolites created enough chances to win handsomely but were thwarted on several occasions by Pembroke Athleta goalkeeper Mario Muscat who produced a series of fine saves to keep his team in the game.

This result means that Valletta now have the chance to open a six-point lead when they meet Mosta tomorrow.

Hibernians took just nine minutes to open the scoring, Bjorn Kristensen heading home from Gilmar's corner.

The champions dominated the first half, created several scoring chances but Mario Muscat, their former goalkeeper, denied them time and again, making good saves from Jurgen Degabriele and Marcelo Dias.

Reprieved, Pembroke made the most of Muscat's interventions as, a minute from half-time, they levelled matters thanks to Gustavo Villalobos who ran into the box and fired a low shot past Justin Haber, the Hibernians goalkeeper.

Luck was clearly not on Hibs' side as, on the hour, Cohen's header, from Failla's cross, crashed against the crossbar and Gilmar fired the rebound against the side-netting. The Brazilian then charged into the box but his goalbound effort was deflected away for a corner by Zoran Levnaic.

Hibs began the second half in attacking mode as they sought to regain the lead but Rodolfo Soares was denied by Muscat and Andrew Cohen's header, from Failla's cross, hit the crossbar. The loose ball fell to Gilmar but the Brazilian drove against the side-netting.

The Hibs players and fans could not believe their luck when Joseph Mbong, who had replaced Jonatha Pearson, had a close-range effort deflected wide after a good move involving Cohen and Gilmar unlocked the Pembroke defence.

In a rare Pembroke attack, Paltemio Barbetti passed to Laudisi whose angled shot from inside the box had the better of Haber but Failla was on hand to clear the danger.

Muscat, the Pembroke goalkeeper was named BOV player of the match.