Hibernians celebrate Title triumph with stylish win over Valletta

Champions to be Hibernians faced runners up Valletta in the season’s final fixture of the BOV 2014-2015 season before both teams turned their attention to the FA Trophy next week.

With Hibernians already declared champions two weeks ago and Valletta securing second spot, the highlight of the fixture was most certainly the post -match celebrations and presentation of the trophy.

Also present for the game was Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who watch alongside MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo and General Secretary Bjorn Vassallo.

Valletta defender Jonathan Caruana had a nightmare start to the game being forced off after just three minutes of play.

Hardly a minute later, a dangerous back-pass towards the keeper Henry Bonello by Bjorn Kristensen almost handed Valletta striker Elford Alliyu a great opportunity to open to score however Bonello managed to clear the danger in time.

The first moments of the game saw play being dictated in the middle of the pitch with both sets of players playing incorrect passes and committing rash mistakes.

However on 15 minutes, Hibernians broke the deadlock in their first serious attempt when a through ball from Kristensen released Jorge Silva who broke free of Dimech’s marking to beat Marino with a powerful low shot.

Valletta went close to scoring an equaliser when a perfect Roderick Briffa chipped through ball found Hamza Barry in the box who skilfully skipped past a defender before having his curled effort turned into a corner by Bonello.

On 32 minutes, it was the Paolites’ Rodolfo Soares leaving the pitch through injury; being replaced by youngster Keith Tanti.

Hibernians doubled the score on 36 minutes when again they took advantage of some loose marking by the Valletta defence.  It was a similar build up to the first goal with Jorge Silva again finding himself in the penalty box after a neat through ball to easily beat Marino for his second of the game.

Nerves were now starting to be seen on the Valletta players with Luke Dimech shown a yellow card after two consecutive nasty challenges.

The end of the first half saw Hibernians taking a comfortable two goal lead over their opponents.

Two minutes into the second half and Valletta were down to ten men.  A through ball towards Jorge Silva saw the on rushing Marino trip his opponent with the referee having no other choice but to order a penalty and showing a straight red to the Italian keeper.

From the spot, Jorge Silva made it 3-0 to clinch his personal hat trick of the game.

On 71 minutes a typical Clayton Failla free kick stamped by the woodwork.

Valletta reduced the deficit through a trade mark Shaun Bajada finish who brilliantly lobbed the ball over the head of keeper Bonello after being caught out of place.

There was no other action after that with the final whistle saw players, coaches and supporters run across the pitch to celebrate a most deserved title success for Hibernians, who suffered one league defeat all season after already being declared champions.