Malta round-up: Hibernians spoil Sliema celebrations
Sunday, April 20, 2003
Article summary
Newly-crowned champions Sliema Wanderers FC had their title celebrations ruined by Hibernians FC.
Article body
Newly-crowned Maltese Premier League champions Sliema Wanderers FC had their title celebrations ruined as outgoing champions Hibernians FC inflicted a heavy 5-2 defeat.
Three for Mifsud
Adrian Mifsud scored a hat-trick in Hibernians' win, opening the scoring with a fine individual effort after 25 minutes. Sliema goalkeeper Murphy Akanji then had to go off injured, and it was 2-0 before half-time as Aaron Xuereb headed an Adrian Ciantar corner into the net.
Late consolations
Mifsud scored his second and Hibernians' third four minutes past the hour, and completed his hat-trick after 73 minutes, before Andrew Cohen added a fifth two minutes later. Sliema restored some pride with two late goals from Massimo Grima and substitute David Camilleri.
Birkirkara challenge
Elsewhere in the championship pool, second-placed Birkirkara FC remained on course for a European place, with a 2-0 home win against Pietà Hotspurs FC. Matthew Calascione opened the scoring five minutes before half-time, scoring after Lino Galea's effort had been parried by Saviour Darmanin, and three minutes into the second half, Lucien Dronca doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Pietà lost midfield player Giacomo Paniccia to a second yellow card nine minutes later.
Narrow victory
In Sunday's championship pool game, Valletta FC earned a 2-1 win at home to Marsaxlokk FC. Rumen Galabov put Valletta ahead with a penalty after 21 minutes, and Milen Penchev's free-kick three minutes from half-time sealed the win after Trevor Templeman had equalised. Late in the second half, Marsaxlokk's Etienne Barbara missed a great chance to salvage a draw, hitting the post with a twice-taken penalty.
Mosta relegated
In the relegation group, Marsa FC confirmed Mosta FC's relegation with a resounding 5-1 win. Carlos Camenzuli put Mosta ahead after 22 minutes, but Malcolm Tirchett equalised four minutes later and second-half strikes from Tirchett, two from Kenneth Abela and one from Chris Borg sealed the away team's fate.
