HIBERNIANS-4, QORMI-2

Champions Hibernians came through a second-half blip to see off the challenge of Qormi.

Dominant in the first half, the Paolites looked to have thrown it away as they had Mangue Diosdado sent off and Qormi levelled matters with two quick goals but the champions hit back with a vengeance to restore their two-goal advantage and secure three important points that pulled them to within a point of leaders Valletta
Hibernians stormed forward from the outset to race into a two-goal lead inside the opening 16 minutes.

Young forward Jurgen Degabriele put them ahead after just five minutes, hitting home from close in after Qormi had failed to clear a Clayton Failla free-kick.
Degabriele was also involved in Hibs' second goal, which came on 16 minutes, as his perfect pass from the right was met by Jorge Santos who drove the ball home.
Hibs remained in control for the remainder of the first half with Qormi only showing signs of improvement in the final 10 minutes.

The second half was off to an explosive start as Qormi scored twice in four minutes to level matters while Hibs had Diosdado sent off.

Djamel Leeflang equalised with a well-taken free-kick after two minutes and the Dutch midfielder converted a penalty four minutes later after Diosdado brought down Tensor Gusman inside the box.

The Paolites looked stunned but they made an instant reaction. Gilmar put them 3-2 up with a brilliant shot and, two minutes past the hour, Clayton Failla scored from a penalty after Leeflang had pushed Gilmar inside the box.

Despite being down to 10 men, Hibs remained in control, creating a host of chances to increase their lead but Jean Mattias Vella, the Qormi goalkeeper, denied them with a series of good saves.
Gilmar was name BOV player of the match.