Honours shared as Hibs, Floriana figure in 1-1 draw

HIBERNIANS 1FLORIANA     1 Champions Hibernians failed to maintain their perfect start to the season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Floriana at the National Stadium on Saturday.  This clash between two potential title candidates was an enticing affair with Floriana taking the lead late in the first half and Hibs hitting back to equalise 17 minutes from time. With this draw, Hibernians have slipped two points behind surprise early leaders Gżira United while Floriana now have two draws and a win from their opening three league outings. Defender Enzo Ruiz put the Greens ahead five minutes from half-time when he rose high to head the ball home from Steve Pisani’s corner. Hibs’ second-half reaction yielded an equaliser 17 minutes from the end when Austrian forward Marco Sahanek concluded a solo move with a low drive which gave Floriana goalkeeper Ini Etim Akpan no chance. SLIEMA WANDERERS 0BALZAN                        0 Balzan and Sliema Wanderers were involved in a goalless stalemate but the result was not a fair reflection of the run of play as the two teams produced an entertaining encounter replete with scoring chances. Sliema coach John Buttigieg fielded two debutants, Brazilian striker Jefferson de Assis and Edmond Agius, the latter coming on for Gabriel Aquilina at the start of the second half. The Blues had a golden opportunity to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty midway into the first half after the steaming Jefferson was brought down inside the box by Balzan defender Elkin Serrano. Captain Alex Muscat’s effort from the penalty spot was blocked by Ivan Janjusevic, the Balzan goalkeeper. Balzan, who were looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to St Andrews, had the better opportunities in the second period but Alfred Effiong had an attempt cleared off the line by Stefano Bianciardi and attempts by Cadu and Bojan Kaljevic came off the woodwork.