Hibernians’ second-half fightback leaves Sliema Wanderers reeling

Hibernians produced a strong second-half comeback as they came from a goal down to see off Sliema Wanderers 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.            

It was a remarkable performance from Branko Nisevic’s team, who, after finding themselves under the cosh for much of the opening 35 minutes, came into life late in the first half when Miullen pulled them level and from then on they never looked back.

After the break, the Paola side continued to grow in stature, and their fast incursions did all the damage with Miullen hitting twice more for a fine hat-trick, but more importantly hand Hibernians their first win in the Closing Round.

It was Sliema, who started brightly, as they completely dominated the match even though they failed to create a lot of openings despite their superiority.

Sliema’s breakthrough arrived on 25 minutes when Aliou Diakite was adjudged to have upended Thiago Espindola inside the area with referee Glen Tonna pointing to the spot.

Luke Montebello stepped up to fire home for his first league goal of the season.

Hibs were rattled, and they tried to fight back.

On 33 minutes, Kevin Halabaku fed Miullen, who sped inside the area and anticipated the onrushing Rashed Al Tumi, but his shot flashed wide.

Three minutes later, Duane Bonnici squared the ball to Cleiton but was denied by a timely block from Jean Borg.

But Hibs were not to be denied as in stoppage time, Kristen found Mailson, whose backheel set up Miullen, who fired past Al Tumi.

The goal gave more faith to Hibs, who completed the comeback on 52 minutes. Kevin Halabaku’s throughball sent Cleiton clear, and the Brazilian rounded Al Tumi to fire home.

Sliema were stunned and six minutes later, Wescley lost his balance in midfield and Nunes Silva immediately profited to send another fine throughball towards Miullen, who dribbled past Al Tumi and fired home.

Sliema’s response was weak, and Hibs could have added more goals through Miullen and Cleiton, who failed to hit the target.

Stefan Djuric capped a miserable day for the Wanderers in stoppage time when he was shown a second yellow card and was dismissed.