BOV Premier League | Hibernians 1 – Floriana 1

Hibernians tested Ini Etim Akpan after just a minute. Jackson De Lima Siqueira went on a good run before hitting a low shot from distance that was neutralised by the Floriana goalkeeper.

The defending champions were denied by the post on the 7th minute. Akpan failed to neutralise Lima’s free-kick and the ball fell for Rui Da Garcia Gomes whose shot hit the woodwork.

On the 25th minute, Hibs went close once more through Lima. The Brazilian player anticipated Floriana’s defence and went through on goal; however, Akpan rushed out of his position and blocked his shot.

A minute later, Akpan had to be on the alert again. Jurgen Degabriele hit a powerful drive from distance that was well saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Lima took hold of the rebound, but the Floriana shot stopper neutralised his effort.

Floriana hit back on the 33rd minute. From a free-kick, Enzo Ruiz saw his shot going high.

On the 40th minute, Floriana went ahead. Steve Pisani’s corner was met by Enzo Ruiz who headed the ball inside the net past Andrew Hogg.

Three minutes later, Giovanni Tedesco’s side went close again. From a corner, Pisani sent another dangerous cross towards Ignacio Varela whose header was blocked by Hogg.

Two minutes into the second half, Floriana nearly doubled their advantage. Juninho Cabral mistimed his close range shot and finished off target.

The Paolites responded on the 51st minute. Jorge Elias Dos Santos fired a strong shot from outside the penalty area that ended up high.

Three minutes later, Alex Cini of Floriana sent a cross shot that forced a good save from Hogg.

Floriana kept insisting and created another chance on the 58th minute. From a free-kick, Pisani saw his shot going centimetres wide.

On the 64th minute, Hibernians celebrated after Dos Santos managed to score. However, the assistant referee raised his flag and the referee signalled an offside.

Three minutes later, Hibs had another goal disallowed as the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside again.

Mark Miller’s side equalised on the 73rd minute. Marco Sahanek hit a low shot from outside the penalty area that gave Akpan no chance.

One minute from time, Sahanek sent a powerful drive from distance that forced an excellent save from Floriana's goalkeeper.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Martin Kreuzriegler, Rui Da Garcia Gomes, Jackson De Lima Siqueira, Rodolfo Soares, Marcelo Dias (Johann Bezzina – 71), Jurgen Degabriele (Joseph Mbong -81), Bjorn Kristensen, Jorge Elias Dos Santos, Andrei Agius, Marco Sahanek

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, Enrico Pepe, Enzo Ruiz, Steve Pisani, Clyde Borg, Ignacio Varela, Maurizio Vella, Juninho Cabral (Dylan Grima – 69), Alex Cini, Arthur Oyama, Mario Fontanella

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Martin Borg

Fourth Official: Eman Grech

Yellow Cards: Andrei Agius (Hibs), Steve Pisani (Floriana), Maurizio Vella (Floriana), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibs), Clyde Borg (Floriana), Rodolfo Soares (Hibs)

BOV Player of the Match: Marco Sahanek (Hibs)