After a winless streak of six matches, Hibernians returned to winning ways as they defeated Birzebbuga St. Peter’s 1-0 in a match from the VBET Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
A win which puts the Paolites back in ninth place, one point ahead of Zabbar St. Patrick, one behind Balzan and Birkirkara and two behind Sliema Wanderers. The Saints, on the other hand, remain anchored at the bottom of the table as they suffered a seventh defeat in eight matches.
Hibernians scored the all-important goal on 69 minutes when they played the FVS card for a foul by Zachary Scerri on Joseph Mbong inside the area; referee Daniel Portelli ordered a penalty and Mouad El Fanis duly converted
This occurred a few minutes after Birzebbuga were originally awarded a penalty for what appeared to be a foul by goalkeeper Matteo Cardinali on Jackson Mendoza but following the FVS review, referee Portelli reversed his decision and cautioned Mendoza for simulation.
Deep into stoppage time, Birzebbuga were awarded a penalty after Zachary Scerri was fouled just inside the area by Matthew Ellul. However the referee reversed his decision for a Miguel Azzopardi foul on Joseph Mbong a few seconds earlier following the FVS review.