Hibernians seal 13th crown in Centenary year
Hibernians are the Champions of local football after beating Birkirkara by three goals to one and opening an unassailable lead of six points at the top of the table.
The Paolites needed just one point in order to make the Championship theirs. But instead, they went home with a win which sent their numerous supporters in raptures. Celebrations followed both at the National Stadium and later at Paola's main square.
The match was a lively one and after just three minutes Kone saved a headed effort by Falcone. On 8 minutes Degabriele hit the side netting. On the other end it was the Stripes who went close on 18 minutes when a Venancio free kick sailed just over the bar. Hibernians responded through a counterattack with Apap testing the B'Kara goalkeeper.
But it was the Stripes who took the lead in the 20th minute when after Scicluna was brought down in the area, the match official gave the advantage with Falcone firing the ball into the net.
This was B'kara's moment who upped the pressure and three minutes later Bevis tried his luck with a shot which went over the bar. And a few minutes later Venancio saw his shot saved by Kone.
Hibernians drew level in the 28th minute when Aldama passed the ball towards Degabriele who rifled the ball past a helpless Sylla.
It was now game on and in the 33rd minute a Macedo shot just missed the target. With the last action of the first half coming from B'kara through an Agiurre shot which ended wide off the mark.
The second half started on the same pattern as the first fortyfive minutes and on 57 minutes Sylla made a good save on Degabriele. Just past the hour another chance for Hibernians and it was Degabriele once again who tested the opposing goalkeeper.
Hibernians took the lead in the 71st minute through Dunstan Vella after receiving a perfect pass by Almeida. It was now celebration time for the Paolites who sealed the issue in added time through Dos Anjos.