Malta round-up: Hibernians back on top

Hibernians FC sprang back on top of the Premier League table by beating lowly Naxxar Lions FC 3-2 at the Hibernians Ground stadium on Sunday.

Close game
But Robert Gatt’s men had to ride their luck against a stubborn Naxxar side, who at times seemed to be in control of this thrilling game. Hibernians striker Adrian Mifsud's opened the scoring as early as the 16th minute but Naxxar’s gallant efforts were rewarded in the 34th minute when Nigerian Daniel Chimezie Nwoke equalised. Hibernians soon regained the lead and took a one-goal lead in at the break thanks to Adrian Ciantar's strike.

Mifsud the hero
After the restart, Daniel Bogdanovic converted a 60th-minute penalty for Naxxar to level the match once more but Mifsud was on hand to poach a late winner and secure the three points that put Hibernians back on top of the table, with a game in hand.

Valletta leave it late.
Champions Valletta FC beat Lija Athletic FC 4-0 in Sunday's other game, but the result flattered the side from the Maltese capital who only made sure of the three points in the final ten minutes of a hard-fought encounter. Chris Oretan gave Valletta the lead after 22 minutes and that is how it stayed until the last ten minutes, when the champions took over and stuck three late blows. Ivan Zammit weighed in with two penalties and Oretan grabbed his second of the match to put the result beyond doubt.  
 
Red cards
Valletta had Pavel Mraz shown the red card for a second booking just after the restart and minutes later it was Lija’s Liam Mangion who received his marching orders. Since losing against Sliema Wanderers FC, Valletta have now won their last four fixtures and occupy fourth position.