BIRKIRKARA-2, HIBERNIANS-1
Valletta are the new champions of Malta.
Having beaten Balzan 2-1 to go four points clear of Hibs at the top, Valletta were interesting spectators this evening as the Paolites met Birkirkara who handed the title to the Citizens after winning 2-1 thanks to Edmond Agius's late goal.
The final whistle triggered scenes of joy among the Valletta fans in the Millennium Stand as the Whites can't be caught at the top, irrespective of the result of their game against Hibs next weekend.
Birkirkara were clearly up for it as they not only held their own but also stunned Hibernians by taking the lead late in the first half.
Justin Haber, the Hibs goalkeeper, failed to control a backpass from Andrei Agius and Birkirkara striker Vito Plut nipped in to tap the ball home from close range to the delight of the Birkirkara fans as well as those of Valletta gathered in the Millennium Stand.
Before Plut's goal, a mistake by Birkirkara goalkeeper Miroslav Kopric, who mistimed his run out of goal as he tried to clear a long ball, had gifted Hibs an opening but Jorge Santos's shot was blocked by Birkirkara defender Mauricio Mazzetti.
The first half was low on scoring chances but Birkirkara clearly made it hard for Hibs to produce their best football.
Just before half-time, Hibs lost Jorge Santos to injury with Andrew Cohen coming on as his replacement.
Early in the second, Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek also had to make a substitution as Joseph Zerafa also went down injured. He was replaced by Kurt Zammit.
Birkirkara's Edmond Agius had a good chance as he darted into the box to reach Plut's pass but the midfielder's effort was wide.
Hibs equalised close to the hour. They were awarded a free-kick after Gilmar was fouled outside the box and Cohen swung his free-kick into the far corner.
Referee Philip Farrugia waved away two claims for a penalty, one at either end, as Birkirkara protested for Marcelo Dias's challenge on Mijanovic and Hibs felt they should have had one themselves when Gilmar fell in the box after being shackled by Mazzetti.
Cohen's equaliser failed to unsettle Birkirkara's resolve.
Plut's overhead volley, from Mujanovic's cross, ended wide.
Plut was guilty of a glaring miss, hitting wide with only Haber to beat after being released by Temile's pass.
Seven minutes from time, Clayton Failla's free-kick came off the crossbar but on the stroke of time, Birkirkara scored.
From a corner action, Mazzetti's volley was deflected towards Edmond Agius whose curling drive had the better of Haber.
Mazzetti was named BOV player of the match.