Tarxien fight back against Hibs to earn first Closing Round point

HIBERNIANS                     1

Debattista 17

TARXIEN RAINBOWS   1
Kristensen og. 77

Hibernians survived a late scare to salvage a point against a spirited Tarxien Rainbows side, as the Paolites were held to a draw in a match they entered as clear favourites.

Despite heading into the encounter with zero points from their opening four matches, Tarxien produced a commanding and resilient display, particularly after falling behind early on.

What initially looked set to be a routine victory for Hibernians gradually turned into a stern examination of their defensive resolve, with goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu playing a decisive role in preserving at least a share of the spoils.

Hibernians made a proactive start, pressing high and looking to dominate possession in the attacking third.

Their early pressure paid off after 17 minutes when debutant Matthew Debattista marked his first appearance in Paolites colours with a goal. The former Melita midfielder finished confidently inside the penalty area, beating Andrea Cassar at his near post.

Tarxien coach Jacques Scerri opted for an attack-minded approach, naming eight foreign players in his starting line-up as the Rainbows went in search of their first points of the Closing Round.

Although Hibernians initially looked in control, Tarxien gradually grew into the game. On the half-hour mark, Yilson Mosquera showcased his physical strength with a brilliant solo run that ended in a corner.

Moments later, the Rainbows squandered a golden opportunity when Angel Valverde found himself one-on-one with Branescu in transition, but his attempted lob failed to beat the Hibernians goalkeeper. Anthony Lokosa then fired the rebound volley wide.

Tarxien continued to threaten, with Valverde again denied from close range by an alert Branescu, while Hibernians attempted to ease the pressure through a long-range effort by Alfred Silas that drifted wide.

After the break, Nisevic introduced Ali Diakite for Pedro Nunes to reinforce the midfield, while Tarxien also made attacking changes around the hour mark as heavy rain began to fall, adding another layer of unpredictability to the contest.

Hibernians later made further substitutions, including the return of defender Kurt Shaw, who rejoined the club after starting the season with Italian Serie C side Sorrento.

Akinbule went close to doubling the Paolites’ advantage, forcing a block from Cassar before sending a low drive just wide.

Debattista also tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort sailed over the bar.

Tarxien’s persistence was finally rewarded in the 77th minute when Claudio Barbosa’s dangerous free-kick was inadvertently turned into his own net by Hibernians captain Bjorn Kristensen.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Tarxien pushed for a winner, with Barbosa testing Branescu on two further occasions. The Hibernians goalkeeper stood firm, first turning a powerful shot into a corner and then blocking another effort at close range as the Paolites clung on.

In the end, Tarxien were unable to complete the comeback, and the derby finished all square, with Hibernians relieved to escape with a point and the Rainbows showing encouraging signs after a difficult start to the campaign.