Champions Hibernians turn on the heat in second half

Pietà Hotspurs 0
Hibernians 1

With Hibernians on a mathematical periphery of a possible challenge for the title and Pietà aspiring to augment their points' tally which could land them a berth in Europe, the second match on yesterday's programme at the Centenary Stadium was short of the spark normally associated with 'hot' clashes.

Given the unpleasant conditions, the match failed to produced composed fare, although the Paolites upped their game considerably after the change of ends.

Their running was more effective then and, with the Hotspurs unable to master the strong winds that kept blowing in their faces, Hibernians became increasingly authoritative, with Essien Mbong directing operations from midfield.

Pietà had their best moments in the first half, but could hardly trouble Muscat in the Hibs' goal. In the end, they had to thank stand-in goalkeeper Andrew Hogg. His fine saves restricted their defeat to minimum proportions.

The downpour that kept lashing across the pitch developed into heavy hail soon after the match started. The icy conditions must have been impairing the players' visibility.

This was pointed out to the referee by the Hibernians captain, goalkeeper Mario Muscat. That forced Adrian Casha to suspend play after almost eight minutes.

To make matters worse there was a power-cut during that unforeseen stoppage time. It took almost 12 minutes for the referee and the players to re-appear. Thankfully, the drizzle abated considerably.

However, action on the field of play was completely absent but for a shot from Licari, saved by Muscat.

Hibernians, without Ndubisi Chukunyere, looked sheepish and their thrusts towards their opponents' penalty area were sporadic.

Play remained confined mostly to the midfield sector. Adrian Mifsud and Terence Scerri, at one end, and Malcolm Licari and Ivan Woods at the other, were unable to get inviting balls. As a result, Muscat and Hogg, replacing Saviour Darmanin, were inoperative for long stretches.

Pietà, without Jamie Pace, were slightly more insistent. However, there was nothing of note until the half-time whistle. The players were relieved to go in for some shelter.

Another icy drizzle heralded the start of the second period. The players, clutching their faces, rushed in only to trot out again after a couple of minutes.

Scerri was on the end of an incisive ball but failed to connect when in an ideal position. The Paolites strove to cash in on the wind's favourable push and it had to be a fine save by Hogg to deny Adrian Ciantar on a 30-metre free-kick.

The Pietà players were with their backs to the rope as the champions kept surging forward. Scerri's drive finished wide amid the relief of the Hotspurs. It was mainly helter-skelter stuff, though.

The wind was unquestionably the dominant factor and, not surprisingly, the few who braved the unsavoury conditions, were more interested in looking for snug places to keep warm rather than following attentively the proceedings.

With 17 minutes to go Peter Pullicino had his team's few fans raising a cheer when he bolted in from 20 metres, the ball sweeping past the brave Hogg and into the corner of the net.

Cohen shot wide and Mbong was denied by Hogg as the Paolites kept up their offensive. The Pietà goalkeeper again pulled off an excellent save on Hibernians' Nigerian midfielder.

Pietà: A. Hogg, D. Okonkwo, I. Woods, S. Cappitta (J.P. Vella), M. Licari, G. Paniccia, K. Mamo, S. Pace, L. Lombardi, S. Ciscaldi, A. Debono.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar, B. Nisevic (V. Bellia), P. Pullicino, A. Xuereb, A. Ciantar, E. Mbong, A. Mifsud (A. Schembri), T. Scerri, R. Baldacchino, A. Cohen.

Referee: Adrian Casha.

Scorer: Pullicino 73.

Yellow Card: Debono.

Player Of The Match: Andrew Hogg (Pietà Hotspurs).