HIBERNIANS 1
Miullen 74
VALLETTA 1
Radic 60
Hibernians and Valletta played out a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium, a result that ultimately satisfied neither side as both continue their push for a Top Six finish.
For Hibernians, it was a first outing under new coach Andrei Agius, but the Paolites remain ninth on 11 points, now two behind Naxxar Lions, who still have a game in hand.
Valletta, meanwhile, sit fifth on 13 points, level with both Naxxar and Sliema Wanderers, with just two matches left to decide their fate.
The game began at a lively tempo, with Hibernians creating the first opportunity. Duane Bonnici fired a low effort wide following a quick transition from a Valletta corner.
Valletta responded soon after, with goalkeeper Adilson called into action to deny Bjorn Kristensen’s close-range header. The Hibernians captain continued to pose a threat in the air, meeting another well-worked corner but again failing to convert.
At the other end, Emanuel Mbende’s header lacked the power to trouble Laurentiu Branescu, while Yannick Yankam saw a close-range attempt blocked by the Hibernians shot-stopper.
Hibernians came close again when Mailson found himself unmarked inside the area, but his connection with the cross failed to hit the target. Just before the break, Brandon Paiber nearly gave Valletta the lead, his low drive flashing inches wide.
Valletta emerged stronger after the restart, with Yuri striking the woodwork early in the second half. Paiber then tested Branescu from a long-range free-kick, the goalkeeper tipping the effort behind for a corner.
The Citizens’ pressure finally paid off on the hour mark when Sava Radic turned home from close range following a set-piece.
Hibernians responded positively. Miullen first tested Adilson from the edge of the area before producing a moment of brilliance, levelling the score with a stunning overhead kick.
However, the Brazilian’s joy was short-lived. After removing his shirt in celebration, he received a second yellow card from referee Daniel Portelli, leaving Hibernians to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Hibernians continued to push forward and created further chances, but they were unable to find a winner. Valletta also had their moments late on, with Diogo Tavares curling an effort narrowly wide.
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MARSAXLOKK 2
Dodo 33, 43
MOSTA 1
Pedro Cacho 17
Marsaxlokk took a major step towards securing a Top 6 berth when they came from a goal down to see off Mosta 2-1.
It was a topsy-turvy encounter that saw Mosta hold the edge early on but as the minutes passed, Marsaxlokk’s technical superiority came to the fore with Dodo Soares scoring a fine brace to secure the win for his team.
The win lifted third-placed Marsaxlokk on 17 points, three behind leaders Floriana but more importantly holding a significant advantage on their rivals for a Top 6 berth.
Mosta started brightly, and after eight minutes of play, Marsaxlokk midfielder Joseph Minala lost the ball cheaply. The ball fell to Nevin Portelli, who sped inside the area but was denied by goalkeeper Christoffer Maffoumbi.
However, Mosta were not to be denied as on 15 minutes they took the lead and what a goal it was. Pedro Cacho hit a thumping drive from 30 metres out that gave no chance to Maffoumbi.
The goal instilled more belief in the Mosta players, and on 22 minutes, Giancarlo Sciberras created space for himself from the edge of the area, but his effort flashed just wide.
However, as the minutes passed, Marsaxlokk started to grow more in stature, and on 27 minutes, Nikolai Muscat hit a firm drive that was turned to a corner by Akpan.
Marsaxlokk finally drew level on 33 minutes with another spectacular goal. Dodo Soares turned past his marker and, despite being some 25 metres out, he hit a thumping drive that flew into the net.
The goal hit Mosta hard and Marsaxlokk managed to turn the match around with a second goal.
It was again Dodo the scorer when he was well picked by Redon Mihana, and the Marsaxlokk forward stabbed the ball home.
After the break, Marsaxlokk kept pushing, and on 57 minutes, Dodo almost completed his hat-trick, but his shot just missed the upright.
On 73 minutes, Dodo had another opportunity when he was found in space, but his shot looked destined to hit the net, only hit his team-mate Muscat.
Five minutes later, Rasmun Linden was played in space but was denied by the onrushing Akpan.
In stoppage time, Aguirre was unlucky not to add a third goal but his shot came off the bar.
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TARXIEN RAINBOWS 1
Lokosa 66
SLIEMA WANDERERS 1
Djuranovic 56
At the Tony Bezzina Stadium, Sliema Wanderers dropped two precious points when they were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Tarxien Rainbows.
The Blues were desperate for the three points as they looked to put themselves back in contention for a Top 6 berth.
It looked as though the Wanderers were on their way to victory when Uros Djuranovic put them ahead on 56 minutes.
But Pablo Doffo’s team failed to protect their advantage as Tarxien fought back and levelled matters ten minutes later through Anthony Lokosa.
In the end, the stalemate prevailed, with Tarxien the happier of the two sides as they picked up another
valuable point in their fight against relegation.
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GŻIRA UNITED 1
Xuereb 20
ŻABBAR ST. PATRICK 1
Ayom Mayok 89
Żabbar St. Patrick snatched a dramatic late equaliser against Gżira United, but the point was not enough to keep their Top Six hopes alive, confirming they will compete in the Bottom Six during the second phase.
Still, it marks another encouraging step under new coach Gilbert Agius, who has now guided the team to four consecutive positive results since taking charge.
Gżira, meanwhile, move to fourth place on 14 points, but their Top Six spot remains far from secure, with the battle expected to go down to the wire over the final two matchdays.
The Maroons had taken the lead midway through the first half through David Xuereb, but Mayom Ajok Ajok struck in the 89th minute to ensure Żabbar earned a share of the spoils.
