Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1070939
28 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 JANUARY 2019 BOV PREMIER LEAGUE | PIETÀ HOTSPURS 0 – HIBERNIANS 2 SPORTS TWO first half goals in the space of two minutes earned Hibernians a 2-0 win over Pi- età Hotspurs. Following an excellent first round, Hibernians came into this match looking to secure the three points in order to re- main top. On the other hand, Pietà were conscious that they needed to win more points in order to avoid relegation as early as possible. Hibernians created the first chance of the match on the 26th minute. From a corner, Jurgen Degabriele delivered a cross that was met by Andrei Agius whose header sailed off target. The Paolites threatened again three minutes later. Tiago Adan Fonseca hit a low shot from the edge of the pen- alty area that was neutralised by Nicholas Vella without much difficulty. Joseph Mbong sent Hiber- nians ahead on the 37th min- ute. The Maltese international received the ball from Bjorn Kristensen on the right side before hitting a powerful vol- ley that stunned Vella. Sanderra's men added anoth- er goal a minute later. Fonseca went through on goal and hit a shot that was blocked by vella. In his attempts to clear his marks, Antonio Macedo head- ed the ball into his own net. These two goals disoriented Pietà as they simply waited for the half-time whistle in order to have a chance to regroup in order to try to make a reac- tion. Pieta` started the second half looking to hit back and threat- ened Hibernians on the 49th minute. Gabriel Mensah at- tempted a volley from distance that ended up slightly wide. Andrew Hogg was on the alert to deny Pietà on the hour mark. Mensah went past a defender down the left flank and sent a cross towards Paul Chimezie whose effort from close range was tipped for a corner by the Maltese goal- keeper. The post denied Hibernians from scoring again on the 71st minute. Taylon Nicolas Mar- colino drilled a low shot from outside the penalty area that stamped off the post. Moments later, Jurgen Dega- briele was played through on goal, but his effort was pushed away by Vella. Hibernians remained supe- rior and went close again on the 82nd minute. Marcolino's powerful effort from distance went marginally over. Seconds later, the same play- er had another chance to score as he received the ball on the edge of the penalty area before firing a shot that failed to hit the target. Hibs remained in control during the remaining minutes as they secured a 2-0 win that will guarantee that they will remain on top. Pietà Hotspurs starting line- up: Nicholas George Vella, Ose Takaki, Christian Dega- briele, Neil Pace Cocks, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Ga- briel Mensah. Juan Manuel Artiaga Roa, Christian Grech, Ishaya Irmiya Jalo, Antonio Orlando Macedo Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Dunstan Vella, Nemanja Rodojevic, Joseph Mbong, Marcelo Dias, Jurgen Degabriele, Bjorn Kristensen, Isaac Toah Ntow, Isaac Toah Ntow, Taylon Nicolas Mar- colino, Andrei Agius, Tiago Adan Fonseca Referee: Darryl Agius Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Mitchell Scerri Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit BOV Player of the Match: Tiago Adan Fonseca (Hiber- nians) Hibernians extend positive run with 2-0 win over Pietà