Premier leaders Hibernians are now just one win away from lifting the BOV Premiership trophy.
A hard-fought 2-0 win over Gudja Utd moved Hibs four points clear of Floriana. With only two games each remaining, the title is within Hibs grasp but B’Kara and Gzira are waiting in the wings and Hibs will have to be at their very best to confirm their status as champions.
The game against Gudja Utd was always going to be a tense encounter and so it proved.
Hibs were on the front foot from the whistle but were continuously frustrated by a packed and well organised Gudja defence. The game has hardly begun when Hibs attacker Jake Grech got involved in a tussle with Neil Anthony Micallef and picked up a yellow card. Those two had a running battle throughout the game. It set the tone of the match. If Hibs wanted to win, they were going to have to battle hard for the points.
Hibs launched attack after attack but could not find a way through a defiant Gudja. Dunstan Vella went close early on, Da Costa’s header was just over the bar but still Gudja’s goal remained intact.
Gudja suffered a blow when Grioli had to be substituted following a clash of heads.
On the half hour Artiles was unlucky to see his free-kick come off the crossbar.
Vella had another shot at goal just after the break but Zammit in the Gudja goal did well to smother his effort.
Gudja pushed forward as half time approached and Cremona was unlucky to see his powerful shot skim past the post with Kone beaten.
On the hour the goal that had eluded Hibs finally arrived, courtesy of Apap’s header.
The goal seemed to ease the nerves of Hibs who then began to play with more freedom and confidence. They needed a second goal to clinch the three points and it came when Dunstan Vella, who had been a threat throughout the game, fired home with only five minutes remaining.
A deserved win for Hibernians to go four points clear at the top but credit to Gudja Utd. They made the league leaders work hard for their win.
