BOV Premier League | Pietà Hotspurs 0 – Hibernians 2
Two first half goals in the space of two minutes earned Hibernians a 2-0 win over Pietà Hotspurs.
Following an excellent first round, Hibernians came into this match looking to secure the three points in order to remain top. On the other hand, Pietà were conscious that they needed to win more points in order to avoid relegation as early as possible.
Hibernians created the first chance of the match on the 26th minute. From a corner, Jurgen Degabriele delivered a cross that was met by Andrei Agius whose header sailed off target.
The Paolites threatened again three minutes later. Tiago Adan Fonseca hit a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that was neutralised by Nicholas Vella without much difficulty.
Joseph Mbong sent Hibernians ahead on the 37th minute. The Maltese international received the ball from Bjorn Kristensen on the right side before hitting a powerful volley that stunned Vella.
Sanderra’s men added another goal a minute later. Fonseca went through on goal and hit a shot that was blocked by vella. In his attempts to clear his marks, Antonio Macedo headed the ball into his own net.
These two goals disoriented Pietà as they simply waited for the half-time whistle in order to have a chance to regroup in order to try to make a reaction.
Pieta` started the second half looking to hit back and threatened Hibernians on the 49th minute. Gabriel Mensah attempted a volley from distance that ended up slightly wide.
Andrew Hogg was on the alert to deny Pietà on the hour mark. Mensah went past a defender down the left flank and sent a cross towards Paul Chimezie whose effort from close range was tipped for a corner by the Maltese goalkeeper.
The post denied Hibernians from scoring again on the 71st minute. Taylon Nicolas Marcolino drilled a low shot from outside the penalty area that stamped off the post.
Moments later, Jurgen Degabriele was played through on goal, but his effort was pushed away by Vella.
Hibernians remained superior and went close again on the 82nd minute. Marcolino’s powerful effort from distance went marginally over.
Seconds later, the same player had another chance to score as he received the ball on the edge of the penalty area before firing a shot that failed to hit the target.
Hibs remained in control during the remaining minutes as they secured a 2-0 win that will guarantee that they will remain on top.
Pietà Hotspurs starting line-up: Nicholas George Vella, Ose Takaki, Christian Degabriele, Neil Pace Cocks, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Gabriel Mensah. Juan Manuel Artiaga Roa, Christian Grech, Ishaya Irmiya Jalo, Antonio Orlando Macedo
Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Dunstan Vella, Nemanja Rodojevic, Joseph Mbong, Marcelo Dias, Jurgen Degabriele, Bjorn Kristensen, Isaac Toah Ntow, Isaac Toah Ntow, Taylon Nicolas Marcolino, Andrei Agius, Tiago Adan Fonseca
Referee: Darryl Agius
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Mitchell Scerri
Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit
BOV Player of the Match: Tiago Adan Fonseca (Hibernians)