Hibernians had to sweat more than expected to secure their passage into the next round of the FA Trophy after Qala Saints from Gozo gave them a run for their money.

 

The Gozitan side, coached by former Malta international Shaun Bajada, put on a disciplined performance where at times they were also a threat from the counter-attacks.

 

Branko Nisevic’s Hibernians had to wait until the 56th minute to break the deadlock when Jurgen Degabriele converted from the penalty spot.

 

Hibs made sure of the qualification on the 77th minute when Giannis Bastianos beat goalkeeper Owen Attard with a delightful freekick.

 

For this match, Nisevic handed Malta U-21’s goalkeeper Hugo Sacco his first start for Hibernians while in the second half he put on forward Sime Zuzul for his club debut.

 

Sportsdesk – Gianluca Lia