BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 2 – Hibernians 0

Birkirkara went ahead after twelve minutes. From a free-kick, Miguel Angel Alba sent a cross towards Vito Plut who headed past Andrew Hogg.

On the 20th minute, Birkirkara went close again. From another free-kick, Alba delivered the ball towards Christian Bubalovic and the latter saw his header going slightly wide.

Hibernians replied on the 26th minute. Gilmar Ribeiro Da Silva’s shot was was saved by Henry Bonello. Rebound fell for Bjorn Kristensen whose shot was once more saved by the Birkirkara shot stopper.

Bonello was on the alert once more on the brink of half time. Jackson Lima hit a shot from the edge of the penalty area that was parried by the Maltese goalkeeper.

The Paolites nearly equalised on the 57th minute. Jorge Da Silva Pereira served Clayton Failla and the Hibernians captain fired a powerful drive from distance that hit the woodwork.

However, Birkirkara doubled their advantage on the 63rd minute. Srdan Demitrov’s cross from a corner was met by Nikola Vukanac whose header ended up behind Hogg.

A minute later, Birkirkara ended up in ten men as Alba was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.

Following this result, Hibernians are still leading, while Balzan are only two points behind them.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Edward Herrera, Christian Bubalovic, Gareth Sciberras, Mislav Andjelkovic, Matthew Guillaumier, Nikola Vukanac, Joseph Zerafa, Miguel Angel Alba, Vito Plut, Srdjan Dimitrov

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Rodolfo Soares, Dejan Boljevic, Marcelo Dias, Jackson Lima, Clayton Failla, Bjorn Kristensen, Jorge Pereira da Silva, Jurgen Degabriele, Gilmar Ribeiro da Silva, Andrei Agius

Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Assistant Referees: Luke Portelli, Sammy Attard
Additional Assistant Referees: Stefan Pace, Eman Grech
Fourth Official: Alan Camilleri
BOV Player of the Match: Gilmar Ribeiro da Silva (Hibernians)