BIRKIRKARA-3, HIBERNIANS-2
Champions Birkirkara launched their domestic campaign on a high note this evening as they beat Hibernians 3-2 to win the BOV Super Cup.
The Stripes looked to be cruising to an easy win after surging into a three-goal lead in the first half but Hibernians produced a brave fightback in the second period.The FA Trophy winners scored twice to revive their hopes but they had left themselves with too much to do after a poor display in a first half totally dominated by Birkirkara who confirmed their potential after their positive performances in the Champions League matches against NK Maribor.
Birkirkara all but sealed the issue in the first half after storming into a 3-0 lead.They had to wait 30 minutes to open the scoring but two quick goals followed as the champions ran rings around the helpless Hibernians.Demba Toure put Birkirkara ahead on the half-hour, firing the ball home from close range after a great run and cross by Edward Herrera.
Five minutes later, Frank Temile doubled their advantage with a rising drive from inside the box after Hibs had failed to clear a free-kick.With Hibs in a state of confusion, Birkirkara duly capitalised, adding a third goal seven minutes from half-time.
Herrera's cross from a corner flew towards the far post and Zach Muscat, whose excellent run into the box had escaped the attentions of the Hibs players, sent a powerful header past Mario Muscat, the Hibs goalkeeper.
Hibs revived their hopes when they pulled a goal back four minutes into the second half. They were awarded a penalty after Birkirkara's Spanish defender Alejandro Mendoza hauled down Andrew Cohen in the box. Clayton Failla made no mistake from the spot.Muscat's then denied Temile after the Nigerian had burst into the box and, at the other end, Lima's stunning volley ended just wide of the near post.
With 13 minutes remaining, Hibs got back into contention when Cohen beat Haber with a low shot after a fine interchange with Luis Edison but Birkirkara controlled the Paolites' final efforts to secure the first honour of the 2013-14 season.