Hibernians 1
Scerri 39
Valletta 1
Priso 44 pen.
Mark Miller's first assignment as coach of Hibernians was a tricky match against champions Valletta. A maximum return of six points from their first two outings had raised expectations among the Hibs' fans but their clash against the Citizens was certainly the Paolites' sternest test so far.
A 1-1 outcome meant that Hibs dropped their first league points this season but it also sent a clear warning about their positive form in this early phase of the season.
For the second time in three matches, champions Valletta failed to win against a top side after their opening 1-1 draw with Sliema Wanderers.
Hibs striker Terrence Scerri's opener, his fourth of the campaign, was cancelled out by Doding Priso's penalty a minute before half-time but the second half failed to produce more goals.
Valletta had Andrew Hogg guarding their goal for the first time in the league this season after the Malta keeper recovered from a calf problem.
On 25 minutes, Hibs' Scerri did well to control the ball and slide a low cross towards Christian Callejas whose solid drive took a deflection off Kenneth Scicluna and flew straight at Hogg.
Just past the half hour, Edmond Agius, yesterday facing his former Hibs team-mates, came to City's rescue by heading Clayton Failla's curling corner off the line.
Valletta improved in the final 10 minutes of the first half as Gilbert Agius lofted a free-kick over the Hibs' human barrier and towards Brazilian Tolomeotti at the far post. The Brazilian had ample time to chest the ball down but his shot was off target.
Six minutes from the end of the first half, Hibs broke the deadlock. Defender Jonathan Caruana began the move as he picked out Failla on the left flank. The hardworking midfielder whipped in a precise low cross towards the centre of the penalty area and Scerri's first-time flick left Hogg stranded.
Valletta took only five minutes to equalise. They were awarded a penalty after defender Aaron Xuereb was adjudged to have blocked Jamie Pace's cross with his right arm.
Cameroonian forward Priso, who earlier had a shot turned away by Mario Muscat, drove his kick past the Hibs goalkeeper.
After the interval, Valletta surged forward in search of a second goal. They could easily have accomplished that feat by the hour but Pace's sizzling shot was saved by Muscat and a menacing header by skipper Agius sailed over the crossbar following a Stefan Giglio corner.
On 77 minutes, Gilbert Agius slipped a low cross towards substitute Cleaven Frendo who evaded Caruana's tackle and produced a shot that was parried by Muscat.
Six minutes from time, Hibs thought they had done enough to hit the winner. Failla passed to substitute Triston Caruana on the left flank and the youngster crossed towards Mbongo who towered above his markers but his header flew inches away from the woodwork.
A minute later, Mbongo was cautioned for simulation after he fell to the ground following a challenge by Luke Dimech. Mbongo's disappointment intensified in time added on when he received marching orders after a late challenge on Frendo earned him a second booking.
Hibernians
M. Muscat-6.5, E. Herrera-7, A. Pulis-6.5, J. Caruana-6.5, A. Xuereb-6.5, C. Failla-7.5, T. A. Mbongo, J. Pearson-6.5 ('67 T. Caruana-6.5), R. Galabov-7, C. Callejas-6.5, T. Scerri-7.
Valletta
A. Hogg-6.5, J. Grioli-6.5 ('77 I. Zammit), K. Scicluna-6.5, L. Dimech-6.5, S. Bezzina-6.5, E. Agius-7, S. Giglio-6.5, J. Pace-7, N. Priso-6 ('85 D. Falzon), G. Agius-6.5, M. Tolomeotti-6 ('59 C. Frendo 6.5).
Referee: Alan Mario Sant.
Yellow cards: Failla; Dimech; Callejas; Pace; Zammit.
Red card: Mbongo (H) 90.
BoV Player of the match: Clayton Failla (Hibernians).