Solitary goal puts Paolites back on top

Simon Farrugia

A solitary goal scored by Jurgen Degabriele twenty minutes from time put Hibernians once again as sole leaders when they faced tricky opponents Floriana. After a balanced first half , Hibernians dominated the second half and finally scored the all im- portant goal.

For the Greens this was another disappointing result which leaves them in a rather unusual position. They have been inconsistent all throughout and this is surely not their season and one to forget the sooner the better.

The Paolites couldn’t afford to slip and loose further ground after succumbing to Valletta in their last outing, a win which put the Citizens on level points with Hibernians but with a superior goal difference. Last week they didn’t sweat so much in beating Fgura United to make it to the last eight of the FA Trophy.

Floriana on the other hand had won just one match from their last five outings and are languishing in the bottom half to the table.

Joseph Mbong was missing serving a one-match ban but the Paolites had three players making their debut, Jake Grech, Barbosa Da Silveira and goalkeeper Jovicic.

In the first round it was Floriana who triumphed over Hibernians by a 2-0 scoreline.

The first moments were rather dull with play restricted to the midfield sector. In fact both goalkeepers were spectators in the initial stages since they weren’t called into action. It was only on 26 minutes when Akpan was tested through a Jurgen Degabriele shot which was saved by the Floriana custodian.

A minute from the end of the first half Degabriele found Jake Grech but the latters shot was blocked once again by Akpan.

Hibernians started dominating possession in the initial stages of the second half but never threatened the opposing goalkeeper. In the 65th minute off a Jurgen Degabriele corner a volley by Andre’ Agius sailed just over the bar.

Three minutes later a low drive by Jake Grech was saved by the Greens goalkeeper. Hibernians were now piling on the pressure and on 70 minutes Akpan turned onto a corner a Radojevic free kick.

Hibernians scored what proved to be the winner in the 71st minute. Jake Grech found Jurgen Degabriele whose fierce shot gave Akpan no chance at all.

Floriana failed to mount a proper reaction and it was Hibernians who could have doubled the score and sealed the issue in the 82nd minute when a

LDunstan Vella shot was saved by Akpan.

Till the end Hibernians were in total control and cruised to a deserved and important victory. Three points that will now pile the pressure on Valletta who have to face Birkirkara in a tricky match. The tussle for the Championship is now in full swing with two and even more fighting for the ultimate prize. Photo: Martin Agius F A Pts