Kick-off
2 minutes on clock, Sliema get penalty..Teuma fires high over bar…big chance missed..
Both sides fired up for this game. Hibs charge forward, then Sliema..good game this. Teuma fires free kick from out on left, dangerous ball across box, no takers.
Joseph Mbong sets off down right, crosses to Christensen who finds Wahling but he cannot get any power on his shot.
22 mins, Hibs think they have the lead, Druga and Rolling combine well, ball in net, joy for Hibs but wait..Ref has seen something..No goal…Water Break.
GOAL
No sooner had play resumed than Hibs score, jorn Kristensen’s cross from the rightAno met by Ryder Matos who sets up Boris Druga to slott the ball past goalkeeper Bonello. This time goal counts. Sliema 0-1 Hibernians
This game is finely balanced. Limbombe races down left but his effort sails high and wide.Into last minute of normal time. Santos on a charge all alone towards Sliema box, only keeper and defender in front of him… defender does so well to block Santos…what a game..
HT Sliema 0-1 Hibernians.
As second half gets underway interesting to watch the coaches. Brancovic, new coach for Sliema, is studied and thoughful while Hibs new coach Tanrivermis is animated as he shouts instructions to his players.
If this is anything like first half this will be some battle for the points.
Sliema chasing an equalizer, Hibs looking for a second goal to give them some breathing room.
Substitute Satariano sets off on a run through the middle, comes to nothing but a warning for Hibs.
Teddy Teuma always a threat when he has the ball..Hibs have to watch him.
Pinned inside their own half, Hibs break forward, Kristensen chips ball over Sliema defence, Joseph Mbong at full stretch just can’t reach.
Water break ..already. this game is flying past.corner to Hibs but N’zi header bounces down and up over the bar.
GOAL.
73 mins and Mbong crosses into box..Jankovic thumps ball into the net.
Sliema are throwing everything into attack…Hibs putting their bodies on the line, defending for all their worth.
A wave of attacks from Sliema….1, 2, 3 close range efforts, blocked…Hibs defence strong…what a game this.
Goal, Hibs have a third…or do they ..referee Petrovic Slobodan sees something…no goal he says…groans from Hibs supporters.
Into extra time…nail biting stuff this..free kick to Sliema, Cardinali finger tip save…
Referee heads to monitor…did he spot something….no, waves play on…and there is final whistle
Sliema 0-2 Hibernians…what a start to new season.
