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High-tempo Hibs-Valletta clash ends goalless

Published: 06-11-2017 11:05
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HIBERNIANS 0VALLETTA     0 The eagerly-awaited clash between Hibernians, the defending champions, and Valletta, the current BOV Premier League leaders, was a high-octane affair but the two teams had to settle for a point each following a goalless draw.  Valletta showed the better ideas and created the better chances in the first half but Hibernians seized the initiative after the Citizens lost Joseph Zerafa to a red card 11 minutes into the second half. The draw leaves Valletta top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed teams Balzan and Gżira United. Hibs remain sixth on 18 points, two adrift of Floriana and Sliema Wanderers. After 11 minutes, Denni’s free-kick was met by Steve Borg who headed the ball into the net but the goal was ruled out after the match officials noted an infringement. In a fast counter-attack, Hibs threatened to score as Jurgen Degabriele raced between two Valletta defenders but his angled strike hit the side-netting. Hibernians goalkeeper Andrew Hogg distinguished himself with saves from Matteo Piciollo and Steve Borg with the latter hitting a ferocious shot from outside the box that glanced off Hogg and bounced wide of the post. The pattern of the match changed after Zerafa was dismissed for two yellow cards early in the second half. The Paolites created some scoring chances but Henry Bonello, the Valletta goalkeeper, denied them when blocking Degabriele’s effort and a late attempt by Jackson Lima was wide.Valletta winger Raed Ibrahim Saleh was named BOV player of the match.ST ANDREWS              0SLIEMA WANDERERS 2In Sunday’s opening match at the National Stadium, Sliema Wanderers maintained their positive run after beating St Andrews 2-0. Sliema’s fourth win on the run materialised in the second half with goals by Jefferson de Assis, his fifth in the last six matches, and Nikola Gavric. St Andrews held their own in the first half but goalkeeper Glenn Zammit saved Joseph Farrugia’s free-kick and Misael Miranda’s drive hit the crossbar. Sliema Wanderers midfielder Matias Muchardi was voted BOV player of the match.