Jake Grech late winner puts Hibernians on top of standings

in midfield with the Saints’ tactical disposition making it hard for the Paolites to weave their moves.

On 29 minutes the Saints were unlucky too when a Joseph Farrugia freekick was deflected by the Hibernians custodian with the ball finishing against the crossbar.

Two minutes later Degabriele had to be substituted with Austrian import Sahanek, a player which proved to be fundamental in the second half. In stoppage time St.Andrew’s took the lead when defender Adrian Borg headed home a well taken corner by Joseph Farrugia.

On the resumption Hibernians were more aggressive and determined to level terms. On 52 minutes a Marcolino low shot created havoc in front of Calleja Cremona, but somehow the Saints’ defenders managed to scrape the ball to safety.

Hibernians continued to dictate matters and a Marcolino effort just missed the target. On 66 minutes a Sahanek freekick went over the bar and four minutes later Dunstan Vella powered his way inside the baox but his shot was well saved by Calleja Cremona.

On 75 minutes Hibernians drew level when Marco Sahanek scored direct from a freekick, completely deceiving goalkeeper Calleja Cremona. Hibernians continued to attack in search of the winner with the Saints having some breaks and in a rare chance Woo Ling’s shot was well saved by Jovicic.

Two minutes from the final whistle Hibernians scored the all important winner when Marcelo Dias passed towards Jake Grech, and the ex-Birkirkara player, for the second consecutive match, scored what proved to his side’s winner, for a very precious victory.

Marco Sahanek (19) of Hibernians sees his free-kick sail above the St. Andrews barrier for the equalising goal, as the Paolites went top of the table Photo: Domenic Aquilina

St. Andrew's promising Jamaican winger Martin Davis (R) speeds past Marcio Barbosa Da Silveira of Hibernians Photo: Domenic Aquilina