Atkinson’s screamer gives Saints 2-1 win over faltering Hibs

ST ANDREWS 2HIBERNIANS   1 A superb, last-minute goal from substitute Kevaughn Atkinson handed St Andrews a surprise 2-1 victory over champions Hibernians at the National Stadium on Sunday. Receiving a pass from Manuel Enmy Pena Beltre, Atkinson advanced on the right flank and, upon spotting Hibs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg away from the goal-line, unleashed a powerful drive that soared into the net for a picture goal. Atkinson’s screamer capped an amazing turnaround for St Andrews who had fallen behind late in the first half. Captain Clayton Failla had put Hibs ahead two minutes from the end of the first half, heading home at the far post after meeting Marco Sahanek’s cross. St Andrews improved after the break and began to share the exchanges with Hibs. Six minutes into the second half, Kemar Reid’s pass put Misael Miranda Gomez through and the Saints striker profited from the gaps in the Hibs defence by hitting past Hogg. More woes befell Hibs as midfielder Johann Bezzina was dismissed for verbally abusing a ballboy. Atkinson’s late salvo secured an important win for the Saints who have now joined Tarxien Rainbows and Naxxar Lions on the 10-point mark. Hibernians, on the other hand, remain fifth, seven points behind leaders Balzan. BOV player of the match: Marcelo Dias (Hibernians).BIRKIRKARA 2FLORIANA   0 Two early goals were enough for Birkirkara to see off the challenge of Floriana as the Stripes maintained their recent resurgence under coach Paul Zammit with a third win on the trot. Birkirkara are seventh, one point behind Ħamrun Spartans and two behind Hibs and Sliema, while Floriana have now slipped five points off the top. The Stripes’ blistering start rattled Floriana who failed to carry the feelgood factor generated by their BOV Super Cup win into Sunday’s league encounter. Jake Grech fired Birkirkara ahead after 11 minutes, hitting home from inside the box after connecting with a perfect pass from the lively Fernandez De Brito. Luke Montebello made it 2-0 six minutes later with a crisp drive following a run through the middle.  During the second half, Floriana tried to make a reaction with Maurizio Vella leading the charge from midfield.The Italian went close with a rising free-kick which was saved by Birkirkara goalkeeper Philip Schranz with the help of the crossbar. Vella was also denied by the woodwork later in the second half as his powerful shot cannoned against the upright. BOV player of the match: Maurizio Vella (Floriana). WATCH THE TELEVISION HIGHLIGHTS BY FOLLOWING THESE LINKS: http://www.takeaseat.org.mt/news/news-articles/2017/watch-birkirkara-beat-floriana-with-two-early-goals http://www.takeaseat.org.mt/news/news-articles/2017/watch-st-andrews-shock-the-champions-