Schembri magic lifts Hibernians

Hamrun Spartans 1
Hibernians 2

Hibernians moved to within three points of leaders Sliema Wanderers after two late first-half goals saw them edging past struggling Hamrun Spartans at the National Stadium.

The Paolites' victory yesterday was inspired by their vintage young midfielder Andrè Schembri. Two moments of magic by the 17-year-old helped Hibernians to build a solid platform for their success.

Back to normal business after a trial with the U-19 squad of English Premier League club Aston Villa, Schembri yesterday again showed why his talent is causing such a fuss.

His passing and thoughtful movement proved too much for the Hamrun Spartans rearguard, who often found themselves in a state of panic.

From his service, Adrian Mifsud procured the penalty that enabled the Paolites to break the stalemate, Minutes later, Schembri set up his side's second goal when astutely releasing Mifsud, who hit home in typical unforgiving fashion.

Unfortunately, Schembri had to leave the pitch midway through the second half after picking up a knock.

His absence clearly had a negative effect on Hibs' momentum as it was the Hamrun youngsters who started to carve out dangerous openings.

Gencho Dobrev's fledglings pulled one back and also went close to earning a shock equaliser. But Hibs managed to hang on.

Cesar Paiber was certified fit to face his old teammates but Hibs had to do without left-back Miguel Mifsud and striker Andrew Cohen, who were ruled out with flu.

Graham Bencini, who is set to join Sliema Wanderers in the coming days, was suspended and Evano Briffa is injured.

Coach Dobrev included Mauro Brincat in his starting formation. The promising midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Birkirkara, was deemed fit enough by the Bulgarian mentor to start this match, despite missing most of the team's training sessions last week.

The 19-year-old had a quiet game and was substituted after the break.

Hibs' first goalscoring opportunity came after seven minutes. Schembri directed the ball on the right towards Roderick Baldacchino, who immediately served Ndubisi Chukunyere but the Nigerian failed to control the ball in front of Daniel Dengaky.

The Paolites held the upper hand for most of the opening stages but Hamrun's solid defending restricted them to a couple of long-range shots, which rarely tested Dengaky in the Hamrun goal.

Ten minutes from half-time, Hibs were in the driving seat. They were awarded a penalty after Mifsud, put through by Schembri, was felled in the area by Aaron Attard.

Penalty specialist Paiber completed formalities. This was the third straight match that the Spartans conceded a goal from the 11-metre mark.

Eight minutes later, the Paolites doubled their tally. Schembri was again in the heart of the move as his throughpass reached Mifsud, who coolly slotted the ball past the onrushing Dengaky.

After the change of ends, Dobrev drafted in Josef Briffa and Neville Galea in place of Debattista and Brincat.

However, Hibs remained in firm control and, on 52 minutes, Mifsud spotted Antoine Zahra just outside the area but his grounder was neutralised by Dengaky.

Four minutes later, Peter Pullicino should have hit Hibs' third goal but he shot over after being released by Mifsud.

On 57 minutes it was the woodwork that denied Paiber from notching his second of the match from a free-kick.

The Spartans pulled one back on 69 minutes when, from a Roderick Bajada free-kick, Johan Briffa flicked the ball towards Stefan Sultana, who hammered the ball home.

Three minutes later Hibs had a Mifsud goal ruled out for an infringement by the striker in the Hamrun area.

The Spartans then protested when Gaetan Spiteri was floored inside the penalty area but the referee saw nothing untoward.

Revitalised by Sultana's goal, the Spartans now sought an equaliser and their slick passing did create some anxious moments for the Hibs defence but they failed to breach their opponents' resistance.

Hamrun Spartans: D. Dengaky, J. Magri Overend, G. Spiteri, K. Fabri (W. Attard), S. Sultana, Joh. Briffa, N. Fasanelli, M. Brincat (N. Galea), R. Bajada, J. Debattista (Jos. Briffa), A. Attard.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino, A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, C. Paiber, A. Schembri (U. Nwoko), E. Mbong, A. Mifsud, N. Chukunyere, A. Zahra (K. Cassar (K. Spiteri), R. Baldacchino.

Referee: J.R. Attard.

Scorers: Paiber 35 pen.; Mifsud 43; Sultana 69.

Yellow Card: Pullicino.

MIA Player of the Match: Andrè Schembri (Hibernians).