Leaders Hibernians and nearest rivals Birkirkara gave life to an absorbing encounter at the National Stadium as they fought out to a goalless draw.

It was Hibs who enjoyed the better share of possession in the first half and created the better chances to take the lead.

In fact the Paolites hit the woodwork as early as the second minute when Johann Bezzina’s long range drive came off the bar while on 16 minutes Farrugia was first to a Clayton Failla free-kick but was denied by goalkeeper Birkirkara goalkeeper Reuben Gauci with the aid of the crossbar.

On the restart, Birkirkara showed signs of improvement and their hopes were boosted when Hibs were reduced to ten men midway through the half when Marcelo Dias was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Still it was Hibs who could have won it late on when substitute Allan Kandreck anticipated the onrushing Gauci but his dipping header was cleared off the line by Nikola Vukanac.

Birkirkara striker Jhonnattann was voted as the BOV Player of the Match.