BOV Premier League title goes to Birkirkara after victory over Hibernians

With this victory, Birkirkara have won the Premier League title for the fourth time in the club's history.

Hibernians started the first half as the better team, but Birkirkara turned things around in the second half to totally dominate the match.

Hibernians had the first chance on goal as early as the fifth minute when Jean Paul Farrugia's shot ended high over the net.

On the 19^th minute, a header by Andrew Cohen put the Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber in difficulty, but the latter still managed to keep the ball out of the net.

Hibernians continued to press as they had another chance on goal when Jackson Lima had his long distance shot neutralized by goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Hibernians were awarded a penalty on the 32^nd minute when Clayton Failla's shot was handled by Gareth Sciberras. From the penalty spot, Failla beat goalkeeper Justin Haber with his shot.

In the second half, it seemed that Hibernians were happy with their one goal lead as they seemed to give more space to Birkirkara.

Birkirkara managed to equalise on the  56^th minute but not without controversy. Edward Herrera beat goalkeeper Mario Muscat with his shot from close range after receiving a cross from Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza. The ball was out of play just before Triganza got to it, but the goal counted even though the Hibernians players waved the ball was out of play.

On the 67^th minute, Birkirkara managed to take the lead for the first time in the match. Off a freekick by Rodrigo Pereira, Nikola Vukanac beat Mario Muscat with his header.

Birkirkara continued to dominate the match and scored the third goal on the 74^th minute. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza served Rowen Muscat and the latter passed the ball to Zach Muscat who then easily scored from close range.

Rodrigo Pereira was voted BOV Player of the Match.

Birkirkara:  Justin Haber, Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza Corujo, Rodrigo Pereira, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat (84′ Ryan Scicluna), Edward Herrera, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (78′ Ryan Camenzuli), Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao (34′ Harun Shola Shodiya).

Subs not used: Reuben Gauci, Godwin Mckay, Yosimar Hernandez, Joselito dos Reis.

Coach: Paul Zammit

Assistant Coach: Peter Pullicino

Goalkeepers' Coach: Simon Grech

Hibernians: Mario Muscat, Ryan Camilleri, Jonathan Pearson, Rodolfo Soares (74′ Obinna Obiefule), Marcelo Dias (85′ Allan Kardeck dos Santos), Andrew Cohen, Bjoran Kristensen, Jackson di Lima Siqueira, Clayton Failla, Edison Luis dos Santos, Jean Paul Farrugia (74′ Adrian Pulis).

Subs not used: Daniel Balzan, Scott Chircop, Johann Bezzina, Zoran Levnajic.

Coach: Michael Woods

Assistant Coach: Darren Abdilla

Referee: Alan Mario Sant

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Mitchell Scerri

Fourth Official: Kevin Azzopardi

Yellow Cards: Haber, Herrera, Tarabai, Kristensen