Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was the toast of Valletta this evening after the striker came off the bench to head home a dramatic winner that earned the Citizens a 2-1 win over title rivals Hibernians at the National Stadium.

The match was devoid of scoring opportunities with Valletta enjoying much of the possession but they rarely threatened Mario Muscat, the Hibs goalkeeper.

It was Hibs who broke the stalemate on the stroke of half-time when from a Clayton Failla set-piece cross, the ball was touched home by Luis Edison.

The Citizens were stunned and they tried to force a reaction on the restart.

Abdelkerim Nafti’s inclusion for the Citizens round the hour turned out to be providential as the Tunisian’s delivery from a corner saw the ball finish into the path of Roderick Briffa who hammered the ball past Muscat.

Hibs suffered a blow six minutes from time when Zoran Levnaic was dismissed for a second bookable offence leaving his team with a player less.

Valletta attacked with more intent and their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time when Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, who had replaced Aziz Corr Nyang, headed the ball home from a Ryan Fenech to send the City fans in a delirium of joy.

Roderick Briffa was voted as the BOV Player of the match.