Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/497863
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 19 APRIL 2015 33 Sport FOOTBALL SPORTTODAY Hibernians secure 11th title with win over Floriana Floriana ........................1 Hibernains ....................3 EDWARD FALZON HIBERNIANS beat nine-men Flo- riana in a most comfortable fashion to secure their 11th title, extending their unbeaten run to 30 matches. Hibernians' triumph was never in doubt this season as they kept their strong momentum throughout the whole season, never seeming to be struggling even when dealing with injuries or suspensions. Floriana on the other hand remain seven points behind fourth placed Balzan and any hopes of securing a European berth next season appear to be all over. Both teams were missing several important players in their line-ups, with Hibernians missing talisman Andrew Cohen and defender Rui da Gracia Gomes. Floriana on the other hand were without the suspended Amadou Samb, Clyde Borg, Matteo Piciollo and Conor Borg. The Paolites started the brighter of the two and had their first attempt at goal after only seven minutes, from a Jackson Lima free kick which ended just inches wide of the post. Floriana replied through a Giovanni Galea effort which was blocked by Hibs keeper Henry Bonello. However in the 11th minute, Flo- riana surged ahead when off a Steve Pisani corner from the left, defender Steve Bonnici jumped high to head the ball into the net. It took Hibernians only four min- utes to restore matters when off a cross by Clayton Failla, Jorge Da Silva took advantage of some sloppy defensive work from Floriana to head the ball into the net. In the 18th minute, Hibs almost went in front, this time through Jackson Lima who, after receiving from the left, managed to anticipate keeper Calleja Cremona only for his first attempt to hit the post and his second being cleared off by the Flo- riana defence. On 25 minutes, Floriana had their keeper sent off after he brought down Jorginho inside the area, with the referee left with no choice but to show a red card and order a penalty. From the spot, Clayton Failla made it 2-1 for his team. Hibernians increased the gap just on the stroke of half time when Jorginho, after being intelligently served by the in-form Kristensen, beat substitute keeper Senatore with a low shot. In the restart, Hibs went close once again when a Jorginho header was turned into a corner by Senatore. One minute later, the same Jorginho had a curling effort tipped into an- other corner by the Italian keeper. There was only one team on the pitch as Senatore was again called into action, pushing away a powerful Jackson Lima effort. On 63 minutes again it was Jorgin- ho whose other effort was blocked by the Floriana defence. 17 minutes from the final whistle, Floriana were reduced to nine men after Steve Pisani protested with the referee. Floriana; Calleja Cremona, Felipe Cobo (Coronado 64'), Emerson, Pisa- ni, Plut, Briffa, Galea (Farrugia 46'), Muir, S.Borg, Bonnici (Senatore 27'), Micallef Hibernians; Bonello, Pearson, Jack- son Lima, Soares (Tanti 79'), Kris- tensen, Failla, Agius, Bezzina (Vella 87'), Rajic, Da Silva, Farrugia (Dias 49') Referee: Marco Borg Yellow Cards: Plut, Pisani Red Cards: Calleja Cremona, Pisani Scorers: Bonnici 11' (F), Jorge Da Silva 15' (H), Failla 27' (H), Jorge Da Silva 45+2' (H) BOV Man of the Match: Jorginho