BOV Premier League | Birkirkara 0 – Hibernians 1

A penalty converted by Clayton Failla on the 78th minute made all the difference as Hibernians registered a 1-0 win over Birkirkara.

Joseph Zerafa of Birkirkara in action during their match against Hibernians. Photo: Christine Borg
Joseph Zerafa of Birkirkara in action during their match against Hibernians. Photo: Christine Borg

Birkirkara had an excellent chance to go ahead on the 23rd minute. From a corner, Srdjan Dimitrov sent a cross inside the penalty area that was met by Christan Bubalovic whose header was cleared off the line. The rebound fell for Cain Attard who saw his effort being partially saved by Andrew Hogg. Dimitrov tried his luck once more, but this time Rodolfo Soares cleared the danger for Hibernians.

Hibs went close ten minutes later. Jurgen Degabriele delivered a cross inside the penalty area that was met by Jorge da Silva Pereira who sent a header that forced a good save from Miroslav Kopric.

Mark Miller’s side managed to score the winning goal on the 78th minute in a rather controversial manner. Jorginho was brought down by Nikola Vukanac and the referee whistled for a penalty despite replays showing that the foul took place outside the penalty area. From the eleven metres mark, Clayton Failla made no mistake and finished past Kopric.

Following this result, Hibernias are second with twenty points, while Birkirkara are third with nineteen points.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Miroslav Kopric, Christian Bubalovic, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat, Srdjan Dimitrov, Vito Plut, Nikola Vukanac, Frank Temile, Joseph Zerafa, Cain Attard, Ryan Scicluna.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Rodolfo Soares, Marcelo Dias, Jackson de Lima Siqueira, Bjorn Kristensen, Clayton Failla, Dunstan Vella, Jorge da Silva Pereira, Jurgen Degabriele, Juan Manuel Varea, Andrei Agius.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, David Castillo
Fourth Official: Eman Grech
BOV Player of the Match: Jorge da Silva Pereira (Hibs)