Hibernians 1 Floriana 1

Andre Grabowski caused a mini-upset to Hibernians after his last-gasp strike handed Floriana a point against the Paolities this afternoon.

The encounter between these two heavyweights represented a glorious opportunity for Mark Miller’s men to reclaim top spot from Valletta but such expectations failed to materialise.

Although the Greens’ game plan appeared to focus on being tight in defence, they started well and almost profited from some slack defending inside the first three minutes, as Grabowski robbed Ryan Camilleri of possession on the edge of the Hibernians area. His attempt chip over Mario Muscat finished wide.

But Mark Miller’s men were back on their mettle as Clayton Failla hit the woodwork with Borg beaten after 21 minutes.

After 41 minutes, Edison should have opened the score when Pablo Doffo hauled the striker down in the penalty box, but his spot-kick was poor and Borg saved to his left.

But the Brazilian redeemed himself four minutes later. Floriana were found wanting at the back as Ryan Camilleri’s long pass from the middle of the pitch soared into the box where Edison who flicked the ball past on-rushing Borg.

Edison should have put the game beyond doubt six minutes from time. Cohen’s run went unchecked by the Floriana defenders as he surged into the box before squaring to the unmarked Edison who fired wide.

With on-nil up as the match drifted towards closing stages, Hibernians were delighted about their chances of returning one point clear of Valletta at the premier league summit but there was a sting in the tail as the Greens punted a free-kick downfield as Darmanin arrived with perfect timing to head the ball into the box.

Grabowski was the only Floriana player anywhere near the ball and he evaded Ryan Camilleri’s weak tackle, sprinted clear to round Muscat and slotted home the equaliser with virtually the last kick.