Hibernians close the gap on Valletta

The match started off with Hibernians having the first attempt on goal just after five minutes of play with shot on goal by Edison Luis dos Santos.

Floriana went close on the 32^nd minute when Pablo Doffo's freekick was partially saved by goalkeeper Mario Muscat, to have Christian Muscat shoot over the net from the rebound.

Floriana start to increase the pressure on Hibernians and went close again on the 35^th minute when off a John Mintoff corner, Ryan Darmanin's header is tipped to safety by Muscat.

Hibernians finally managed to take the lead on the 60^th minute. Off a Clayton Failla freekick, Jackson Lima Siqueira unleashed a powerful shot to beat goalkeeper Patrick Jansen from outside the area.

On the 66^th minute, Floriana were reduced to ten-men when Duncan Pisani was sent off.

Floriana replied with Andre Grabowski and Pablo Doffo trying their luck on goal but goalkeeper Mario Muscat was in fantastic form to prevent them from scoring.

On the 83^rd minute, Hibernians made sure they secured victory with another goal. Off a corner from Clayton Failla, Jackson Lima Siqueira made no mistake with his shot from outside the area to beat the Floriana goalkeeper.

Jackson Lima Siqueira was voted BOV Player of the Match.

FLORIANA Patrick Jansen, Duncan Pisani, Pablo Doffo, Owen Bugeja (17′ Malcolm Licari), Thomas Paris, Joseph Borg, Clyde Borg, Andre Grabowski (73′ Alandson Da Silva), Christian Caruana, John Mintoff, Ryan Darmanin.
Subs not used: Jurgen Borg, Francesco Guzman, Brooke Farrugia, Malcolm Licari, Luca Casha, Luigi Farrugia.
Team Manager: Justin Attard

HIBERNIANS Mario Muscat, Jonathan Pearson, Aaron Xuereb, Rodolfo Soares, Clayton Failla, Bjorn Kristensen (84′ Adrian Pulis), Jackson Lima Siqueira, Andrew Cohen, Edward Herrera (59′ Peter Anizoba Chizoba), Marcelo Dias (75′ Jason Vandelannoite), Edison Luis dos Santos.
Subs not used: Nicholas Grima, Steve Pisani, Johann Bezzina, Ryan Camilleri.
Coach: Mark Miller
Assistant Coach: Richard Mercieca

Referee: Clayton Pisani
Assistant Referees: William Debattista, Paul Apap
Fourth Official: Mario Apap
Yellow Cards: Mintoff, Lima, Tarabai, Xuereb, C. Borg, Paris, Doffo
Red Cards: 66′ Duncan Pisani
Scorers: 60′ Jackson Lima Siqueira, 83′ Jackson Lima Siqueira