Andrei Agius... Hibernians on their way to achieving pre-season objective.

The 90th minute was about to elapse at the National Stadium on Saturday when the fourth official signalled four minutes of added time to the top-of-the-table clash between Hibernians and Birkirkara.

At that juncture, the Paolites were on the brink of their first league defeat of the season as the leaders trailed to a Nikola Vukanac goal. Victory would have meant three vital points for the Stripes and, more importantly, that outcome would have re-opened the championship race.

However, the story was not over yet as Birkirkara had defender Alejandro Mendoza dismissed for a second yellow card after giving away a free-kick outside the box.

Hibs crowded the Birkirkara penalty area with goalkeeper Henry Bonello joining his team-mates upfield in a last-ditch attempt to save the game.

However, it was Andrei Agius who met Andrew Cohen’s delivery to head the ball past Justin Haber for a very late equaliser.

At the final whistle, the Paolites had preserved their unbeaten record as the point gained enabled them to maintain a commanding lead at the top of the standings.

“This was a very important result for Hibs,” Agius told Times of Malta.

I wanted to share my joy with the fans... they kept backing us even when Birkirkara were in front

“Birkirkara had made it very difficult for us but we kept fighting till the end and our efforts were rewarded.

“Saturday’s outcome could have a decisive impact on our title aspirations as avoiding defeat not only helps us psychologically but as things stand we still have a cushion lead over our nearest rivals.

“The competition is not over yet and there’s so many other matches coming up. But a 13-point lead over Valletta keeps us in a very strong position.”

The match on Saturday marked the end of a difficult week for Agius.

On Wednesday, he was controversially dismissed during his team’s 3-1 defeat of Nadur Youngsters in the FA Trophy.

Referee Sandro Spiteri sent off the Hibs defender for what he deemed was a handling infringement on the goal-line. TV replays clearly showed that Agius had, in fact, headed the ball out to safety.

“It was a very tough decision to accept,” Malta international Agius said in reference to his dismissal at the Gozo Stadium.

“The referee committed a mistake, which I have to accept, but unfortunately it rules me out of the quarter-final and that is very frustrating.

“I don’t know why but here such cases are not reviewed by the association, perhaps using video evidence as happens abroad.

“I cannot appeal against the decision and I think that’s unfair on us players. Now, I have to observe a one-match ban for an offence I never committed.”

After scoring his goal against Birkirkara, Agius ran towards his team-mates and let out all his emotions in a celebratory frenzy.

Asked whether his cry of delight had anything to do with the events in Gozo, he replied: “No it had nothing to do with that, absolutely. I just let all the frustration go following a tense match.

“I wanted to share my joy with the fans... they kept backing us even when Birkirkara were in front.

“On a personal note, I rank my goal among the most important I’ve ever scored.

“There aren’t a lot really but my last one remains indelible in my mind and it stays among the most memorable moments in my career.

“Sure, the point won helped Hibs stay firmly on course for the league title.”

There’s still two matches to go until the end of the first phase and after that all teams will have their points halved.

Agius is now urging his team-mates to stay focused ahead of their next two outings against Mosta and Tarxien Rainbows, the other team besides Birkirkara to have taken points off the Paolites this season.

“We are approaching a crucial phase to the championship and in our next two matches Hibs have to show their true potential,” Agius said.

“Nothing less than two wins will suit us as we have to start the third round with the widest margin possible on the other challengers. Then come the last 10 matches of the championship and we have to treat each and every fixture as a cup final... that’s the best way to go for Hibernians to become champions.

“Our goal has always been the league title and we have put ourselves in a very strong position to achieve that objective.

“Now, everything depends on us... and only on us.”

Today’s matches

The two Premier League matches involving the bottom four teams in the standings, postponed on Sunday at the Hibernians Stadium in Corradino due to the inclement weather, will be played at the Tedesco Stadium this evening.

Tarxien Rainbows take on Qormi at 18.00 and bottom-placed Żebbuġ Rangers play fellow strugglers Pietà Hotspurs in the next match, starting at 20.15.