Watch: Last-gasp Cleiton hands Hibernians dramatic win over Birkirkara

Hibernians piled more misery on struggling Birkirkara as an injury-time goal from Cleiton earned the Paolites a dramatic 2-1 victory to go top of the YoHealth Malta Premier.

It was a dramatic outcome to a match which looked going Birkirkara’s way as the Stripes dominated for much of the opening 55 minutes.

After taking a deserved lead through a fine individual strike from Kemar Reid, the Stripes had more opportunities to kill off their opponents, but failed to add to their lead.

That profligacy came back to haunt them as Hibernians grew in stature in the second half, and they drew level through Joao Teixeira.

When it looked as though the match would end in a draw, substitute Cleiton sped through to fire home the winner that lifted the Paolites to the top of the standings on seven points, level with Floriana.

Birkirkara were in control for much of the opening 45 minutes, with Hibernians finding the going tough to try and create danger to the Stripes’ defence.

The game was desperate for a moment to spark the game to life, and that was provided by Birkirkara midway through the first half

On 22 minutes, Jan Busuttil tried an audacious strike from the edge of the area, with the ball flying just past the upright.

But five minutes later, Kemar Reid embarked on a surging run and hit a firm low drive that gave no chance to the diving Justin Haber in the Hibernians’ goal.

Things could have gone worse for the Paolites as a minute later, Reid turned provider when he found Franklin Sasere unmarked inside the area, but the Nigerian incredibly fired wide.

After the break, Hibernians grew in stature and inside the first 15 minutes, Birkirkara goalkeeper Martinez was the protagonist as twice he kept out the Paolites forward.

The Stripes goalkeeper first dived full stretch to keep out Vilella’s shot, and then he distinguished himself when he thwarted the Hibs forward when he was through on goal.

Hibernians’ persistence paid off on 69 minutes when, from a corner action, Joao Teixeira saw his header finish past Martinez.

Birkirkara looked rattled, and their woes were further compounded in stoppage time as Hibs grabbed a dramatic winner

Cleiton chased a long ball and outmuscled Marjanovic before firing a rasping drive past Martinez.