Premier leaders Hibernians struggled to get past Zejtun Corinthians in their last 16 Izibet FA Trophy tie.

 

It was the Challenge League side who took the lead, Tourkana latching onto a cross from Da Silva to slot home past Calleja Cremona just on the stroke of half time.

 

As the second half started, coach Sanderra Stefano made a raft of changes, bringing on Dunstan Vella and Aldama Thaylor to add some spice to their attack. These two made an immediate impact, Thaylor hitting the side netting after being fed in by Vella.

 

Zejtun were being pushed deeper and deeper, packing their half of the pitch as Hibs upped their game.

 

Apap, Grech and Degabriele were brought on as Hibs probed and searched for an equaliser. It almost paid off as Grech hit the crossbar. Dunstan Vella also hit the bar but Zejtun’s goal remained intact.

 

Thaylor, a constant threat down the right, whipped in a dangerous cross but could not find a Hibs player in the box.

 

The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute when Jake Grech slotted home to level the tie.

 

There was even more hearache for Zejtun when Da Costa fired Hibs in front for the first time with only one minute of normal time remaining.

 

That was to be enough for Hibernians to reach the quarter finals but credit to Zejtun. They pushed Hibs all the way.