BOV Premier League | Floriana 0 – Hibernians 1

The first half was quite mediocre. Hibernians had the upper hand, but failed to create as many chances as they wished for.

Hibernians created the first chance of the match after 26 minutes. Jurgen Degabriele hit a low shot that was blocked by Ini Etim Akpan.

The Paolites threatened again on the 38th minute. Taylon Nicolas Marcolino won the ball deep inside Floriana’s half, ran forward, and fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area that failed to hit the target.

Jake Grech had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock for Hibernians one minute prior to half-time. The debutant player received an excellent through ball from Degabriele, but saw his close range effort being saved by Akpan.

The scenario didn’t change during the second half. Hibernians had more of the ball, but were struggling to create chances on goal.

In fact, Sanderra’s men had to wait until the 66th minute in order to create another chance on goal. Degabriele’s delivery from a corner was met by Andrei Agius whose powerful shot went over.

Two minutes later, Grech drilled a low shot from the right that was saved by Akpan.

Akpan denied Hibernians again on the 69th minute. Nemanja Rodojevic’s powerful effort from a free-kick was tipped behind by Akpan.

This was the prelude for the goal as Hibernians forged ahead on the 71st minute. Grech delivered the ball towards Degabriele whose stunning volley stunned Floriana’s custodian.

On the 82nd minute, Dunstan Vella of Hibernians went inside the penalty area and hit a shot that was neutralised by Akpan.

Hibernians remained in control during the remaining minutes as the Paolites moved momentarily ahead of Valletta at the top of the table. Valletta will play tomorrow against Birkirkara.

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, Enzo Ruiz, Brandon Diego Paiber, Tiago da Silva Galvao, Alex Cini, Jose Ulises Arias, Arthur Henrique Oyama, Ezequiel Cesani, Terence Vella, Emerson Marcellina, Lucas Da Silva Vieira

Hibernians starting line-up: Marko Jovicic, Dunstan Vella, Nemanja Rodojevic, Marcio Da Silveira Barbosa, Jake Grech, Marcelo Dias, Jurgen Degabriele, Bjorn Kristensen, Taylon Nicolas Marcolino, Andrei Agius, Tiago Adan Fonseca

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Roberto Vella

Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion

BOV Player of the Match: Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians)