Hibernians 3
Failla 8; Agius 29; Farrugia 90;
Pietá Hotspurs 1
Pisani 57;

Hibs had to battle more than expected to overcome the challenge of a battling Pietà side yesterday.

The Paolites were tipped to win this one easily and they looked on course when opening a two-goal lead at the half-time break.

But the match changed dramatically the minute Pietà pulled a goal back as the Paolites looked hesitant to push forward in search of a third goal. However, the Hotspurs lacked the guile to profit from such situations as Hibs finally scored a third goal to avoid any mishaps.

Hibs had goalkeeper Henry Bonello out with a muscle injury as Luis Edison was back from suspension. Jonathan Pearson started in a three-man defence at the expense of Rui De Gracia Gomes.

Pietà had striker Claudio Frances available and he started ahead of Orosco Anonam.

Hibs made all the early running and struck after eight minutes.

Clayton Failla powered into the area from the right and hit a rasping drive that gave no chance for keeper Miguel Montfort to save.

A mix-up between Frances and Fortunato almost handed Hibs a second goal as Jorginho broke free before sending a low cross towards the unmarked Edison who was anticipated by the well-positioned Christian Grech.

Hibs made it 2-0 on 29 minutes when from a free-kick, Failla’s delivery found Andrei Agius who sent a firm header past Montfort.

Two goals to the good, Hibs were in cruise control with Pietà finding it difficult to make any sort of reaction.

But the Hotspurs finally threatened on 40 minutes when in a quick break Jurgen Pisani burst clear on the right but his effort finished over.

The Hotspurs started the second half brightly and Luke Micallef embarked on a surging run that took him past Pearson and into the area but he fired wide.

Hibs looked happy to soak up the pressure but that risky stance backfired as Pietà halved the deficit on 57 minutes.

Frances picked Pisani on the edge of the area and he unleashed a volley that flew past keeper Juergen Borg and into the net.

Hibs were rattled and they almost conceded an equaliser when in a swift raid Pisani sent a cross towards Frances who miscued his effort with the ball rolling just wide.

Pisani’s runs were causing all sort of problems to the Paolites and it was no surprise that coach Branko Nisevic withdrew the struggling Mbong and roped in Marcelo Dias.

Pietà kept hoping that they could save the match but Hibs maintained a prudent approach and closed all avenues to their goal.

And the Paolites finally settled the match in time added on when in a quick raid Dias’s ball found substitute Jean Paul Farrugia who buried his shot into the net to the relief of the Paolites clan.

Hibernians
J. Borg-5.5, J. Pearson-6, J. Lima-6, R. Soares-6, A. Cohen-6 (82 J. Bezzina), B. Kristensen-6, C. Failla-6.5, A. Agius-6, L. Edison-5, J. Mbong-5 (65 M. Dias-6), Jorginho-5.5 (82 J.P. Farrugia).

Pietá Hotspurs
M. Montfort-6, K. Micallef-6, C. Grech-6.5, L. Fortunato-6.5, J. Pisani-7.5, R. Rodrigues-7, Gabriel-6 (65 R. Costa-5), C. Attard-6.5, K. Cesare-5 (46 D. Agius-6), C. Frances-5, L. Micallef-6 (65 C. Newuche-5).

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Yellow cards: Fortunato, Mbong, Borg, Edison.

BOV player of the match: Jurgen Pisani (Pietà Hotspurs).

Standings