FLORIANA 2
Varela 2, Fontanella 7

HIBERNIANS 3
Failla 42, Jackson Lima 81, Agius 90+

Hibs came back from two goals down to clinch an important win at the death.

The Paolites were running the risk of being embarrassed by their opponents and of offering Valletta hope of a late twist in the title race.

But Andrè Agius pounced on some hesitant defending by Floriana to bundle home the winner at the death to cap an amazing turnaround, with Hibs looking out of contention after they had been outclassed in the opening half an hour.

Floriana stunned the leaders when they took the lead after just 80 seconds. Mario Fontanella was the catalyst as the Italian striker delivered an inch-perfect cross to Ignacio Varela who, having eluded his marker, slid in for the last touch on Andrew Hogg, the Hibernians goalkeeper.

Varela’s goal set the tone for the match as Fontanella ran with far greater confidence than any of his markers from the first whistle and Hogg’s goal was breached again after seven minutes. Nicolas Chiesa’s long-range blast seemed to surprise the Malta goalkeeper, who slipped on the goal-line but managed to save the Argentine’s effort. The ball, however, fell kindly into the path of Fontanella who buried his effort behind the goalkeeper.

Hibernians were teetering but they refused to give in. Failla threw them a lifeline on 40 minutes with a measured free-kick that soared exquisitely into the corner of the net. A thrilling encounter produced more drama, when, three minutes from half-time, Jorginho towered above friend and foe to reach Jackson Lima’s cross from a right-wing free-kick but the Brazilian’s header crashed against the post.

After the interval, referee Clayton Pisani was unable to continue and was replaced by fourth official Glen Tonna.

But Hibs’ recovery was complete nine minutes from time when Marcelo Dias broke away down the right in a sweeping attack and crossed for Jackson Lima who slotted the ball home.

Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

The Hibs supporters, who sat in desolation in the opening minutes of the match, were now in ecstasy as they sensed a victory that seemed impossible just 15 minutes earlier.

Moments later, Jorginho stooped to head goalwards Failla’s cross that almost surprised Grech but the Floriana custodian reacted quickly to touch the ball around his near post.

The stage was set for a memorable comeback and Hibs hit the winning goal in the third minute of injury time when Gilmar set up André Agius who headed home from close-range to spark wild scenes of celebrations.