A week into the new Premier season and Hibernians were looking to continue their winning start to their campaign. A strong showing against Sliema Wanderers in their opening game gave supporters reason to be optimistic for the months ahead.
Against Marsaxlokk they started well and with their supporters in full voice it looked as if the pre-match expectations were to be fulfilled.
Santos and Druga were combining well together down the left for Hibs but Marsaxlokk were beginning to send warning signs that this could be a long hard contest. Linden had a fierce drive blocked by N’zi and the Danish centre-forward threatened again when he made space for a shot inside the box only to find N’zi blocking him again.
Just over twenty minutes on the clock and Hibs had the ball in the back of the net. Wahling popped a cross back across the box and Santos tapped home…but as players and supporters celebrated, the linesman on the far side raised his flag…Offside…no goal.
A water break gave both coaches a chance to impart fresh instructions.
Marsaxlokk came out from that break on the front foot and Hibs found themselves under constant pressure. Half an hour gone and that man Linden must have been kicking himself after squandering a chance inside the box. Corbalan whipped in a vicious cross that forced Cardinali to punch clear.
The goal did come, on 35 minutes. And that man Linden. He made space for himself inside the box, a clever little dummy and a fierce left foot shot gave Cardinali no chance. Marsaxlokk in front, 1-0.
There was a moment of uncertainty as referee Glen Tonna was called to the tv monitor but he pointed to the centre spot as Marsaxlokk supporters celebrated.
Hibs started the second half brightly enough, captain Kristensen finding Joseph Mbong who set up Druga but Marsaxlokk cleared the danger. Mbong then picked out Jankovic but his effort was turned out for a corner. Lucanza then had a pop and Wahling mis-kicked in front of goal. Non-stop pressure from Hibs but nothing to show for it.
As the clock ticked down, Marsaxlokk sent Hibs a reminder of how dangerous they can be when Soares forced a corner from a very tight angle. Plenty of pushing and shoving before the corner with referee Tonna giving players a warning.
Hibs were throwing caution to the wind as they sought an equalizer. Substitute Mickels hit the post in the dying moments of normal time. Five minutes extra time on the clock and Mickels again with a chance to draw Hibs level but his close range header flew away from goal.
There was time for one more attack from Marsaxlokk as Mihana surged towards the Hibs goal only for Cardinali to deny him.
Final whistle and Marsaxlokk deserved winners. Hibs have work to do.
Marsaxlokk 1-0 Hibernians
