BOV Premier League | Hibernians 2 – Floriana 2

Hibernians controlled the early stages of the match and were close to open the score after ten minutes. Jackson Lima De Siqueira received the ball outside the penalty area and fired a strong shot that hit the woodwork.

The Paolites went close again on the 19th minute. Jorge Da Silva Pereira sent a shot from distance that was neutralised by Justin Haber.

Jorginho created another good opportunity for Hibs on the 24th minute. The Brazilian went on a good run before hitting a low shot that ended up centimetres wide of the post.

Floriana responded with a goal on the 32nd minute. Nicolas Chiesa sent a cross inside the penalty area which Hogg failed to neutralise as the ball rolled inside the net.

This goal was followed by a chaos. Amadou Samb was shown a straight red card after passing obscene remarks towards the Hibernians bench. In addition, Hibs club official, Stephen Abela, and Floriana’s president, Riccardo Gaucci, were also sent off.

Hibs pushed for an equaliser and had another opportunity on the 42nd minute. Clayton Failla sent a cross towards Johann Bezzina who in front of goal missed the target.

Having an extra man, Hibs pushed forward in the second half and nearly equalised on the 52nd minute. Failla sent a dangerous cross inside the penalty area towards Andrew Cohen who finished slightly wide.

The efforts that Hibernians made paid off on the hour mark. Failla sent a cross towards the penalty area in the direction of Jorginho who finished home.

Hibs went ahead on the 70th minute. From a corner, Johann Bezzina sent a cross inside the penalty area towards the unmarked Rodolfo Soares and the latter finished past Haber.

However, Floriana equalised on the 79th minute. Ignacio Varela received the ball inside the penalty area, controlled it, and finished past Hogg to the relief of Floriana’s supporters.

The greens nearly went ahead on the 86th minute. From a corner, Hogg tipped the ball towards Pepe whose effort was cleared off the line by Failla.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Dunstan Vella, Rodolfo Soares, Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Jackson Lima Siqueira, Marcelo Dias, Johann Bezzina, Andrew Cohen, Jorge Pereira Da Silva, Jurgen Degabriele.

Floriana starting line-up: Justin Haber, Alexander Cini, Enzo Ruiz, Clyde Borg, Jurgen Pisani, Ignacio Varela, Maurizio Vella, Nicolas Chiesa, Steve Pisani, Amadou Samb.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Edward Spiteri

Fourth Official: Matthew Degabriele

BOV player of the match: Jorge Da Silva Pereira (Hibernians)