Hibernians and Hamrun Spartans shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the National Stadium on Sunday. A draw which puts the Paolites on the 25-point mark, on level points with Sliema and Birkirkara, staying one point ahead of the Spartans.

Hibs, who had Portuguese forward Joao Moreira and Brazilian Jorge Pereira da Silva making their debut, have now gone three games without a win after suffering back-to-back defeats in the previous two matches and they have won just two out of the last six matches. On the other hand, for Hamrun, this was another positive result which keeps them close to the top seven teams.

Both sides had their fair share of scoring opportunities with Jorginho going close for Hibs after just five minutes and four minutes later, a Thiaguinho effort was partially saved by Hogg with David Succi’s conclusion off the rebound cleared off the goal line by Rui da Gracia.

Hibs tried their luck with shots by Joao Moreira missing the target and then it was the turn of David Succi missing a good chance for Hamrun. Joao Moreira missed an excellent chance, heading wide from close range late in the first half.

In the second half, the best opportunity fell at the feet of Julian Galea but his conclusion missed the target by a whisker.

In added time, Tiago Souza da Silveira was sent off for Hamrun after receiving a second yellow card.

HIBS Andrew Hogg, Dunstan Vella, Martin Kreuzriegler, Rui da Gracia Gomes, Jackson Lima, Marcelo Dias (83′ Timothy Tabone Desira), Bjorn Kristensen, Rodolfo Soares, Andrei Agius, Jorge Pereira da Silva (69′ Joseph Mbong), Joao Moreira (65′ Jurgen Degabriele).
Subs not used: Rudy Briffa, David Xuereb, Kieran Xuereb, Conner Zammit.
Coach: Mark Miller

HAMRUN Steve Sultana, Tiago Souza da Silveira, Daniel Zerafa, Karl Micallef, Guilherme Felipe de Castro, Julian Galea, Davide Succi, Thiago Espindola de Paula, Triston Caruana, Dale Camilleri, Lydon Micallef (78′ Marco Criaco).
Subs not used: Jake Galea, Terence Agius, Jeremy Busuttil, Daniel Debono, Bradley Schembri, Agatino Sicali.
Coach: Jacques Scerri

Referee: Eman Grech
Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Roberto Vella
Fourth Official: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Red Cards: 90′ Tiago Souza da Silveira
Yellow Cards: D. Camilleri, T. Souza da Silveira, T. Caruana, J. Lima
BOV Player of the Match: Andrew Hogg
Attendance: 935