Hibernians, once again, dropped two precious points in the race for the title as they were held to a goalless draw by Santa Lucia.

 

This was, in fact, the third successive draw after being held by Sirens and Mosta in their previous two outings. It was therefore yet another disappointing performance and result for Hibernians.

 

Santa Lucia, led by coach Giovanni Tedesco for the first time, were determined to take home a positive result from this game and they managed to do so thanks to a fine display that promises well for the forthcoming matches.

 

Justin Haber was back in goal while Gianmarco Conti and Jan Tanti replaced Liam Mckay and Vito Plut.

 

Although recent performances were far from impressive, the Paolites had an unchanged side with new recruit Alvaro Muniz Cegarra being included as a substitute.

 

Following a quiet start, Hibernians threatened with a Wilfried Domoraud header that ended just wide on 20 minutes.

 

Hibs went close again on 34 minutes when off a Degabriele free-kick, an attempt by Almeida was blocked by Haber.

 

Three minutes later, the Santa Lucia custodian neutralised an angled shot by Domoraud from the right.

 

At the other end of the pitch, Jamie Zerafa sent Jan Tanti through on the right and the latter anticipated Calleja Cremona but Ferdinando Apap cleared the ball into safety.

 

A minute later, Gianmarco Conti tested Calleja Cremona with a shot from outside the area.

 

However just before the end of the first half, Haber was forced to make another good save on an angled shot by Apap.

 

Things did not change much on the restart and on 64 minutes, a Jamie Zerafa effort was saved in two attempts by the Hibernians goalkeeper.

 

The Paolites reacted with a Domoraud effort which hit the side netting on 75 minutes.

 

Jurgen Degabriele was unlucky to hit the upright directly from a corner a minute later and soon after Dunstan Vella also hit the woodwork when served by Joseph Zerafa from the left.

 

The Paolites maintained the pressure and Thaylor concluded just over the bar a few seconds later.

 

 Santa Lucia replied with an Alan da Silva Souza solo effort which ended with a shot from outside the area ending just wide nine minutes from time.

 

In the final stages, the two teams continued to cancel each other out to take home a point each.

 

Sportsdesk – Antoine Busuttil