Dramatic comeback leaves Hibernians firmly in pole
Hibernians embarked on an emphatic comeback yesterday, fighting their way from two goals down to beat Floriana 3-2 with an added time winner, and extend their lead at the top to four points over Valletta with four matches remaining.
Floriana could not have dreamt of a better start when they forged ahead after leass than two minutes on the clock. Fontanella played a deep free kick from outside the area. Ignacio Varela stretched his leg to connect and place the ball beyond keeper Hogg’s reach.
Floriana swaggered farther ahead five minutes later as the Hibernians’ defence was again caught in disarray when failing to clear the ball inside the area. Chiesa had his effort blocked but Mario Fontanella pounced on the loose ball to hit in.
As Floriana retreated deeper, they continued working to turn things in their favour and were rewarded on 42 minutes when Clayton Failla’s free kick, from some 25 metres out, beat keeper Grech at the near post.
Glen Tonna took over refereeing duties for the second half as Clayton Pisani was unable to continue and took over the role of goal line assistant.
Hibernians started to make their dominance look effortless to the point of imperiousness when they deservingly levelled matters eight minutes from full time. Dias sent a deep cross from the right and Jackson Lima nipped in to score from close range.
In theory there was still time for Hibernians to win the match. Deep into added time, defender Andrei Agius rose to meet Ribeiro’s free kick and head in one of the most important goals for his side this season.