Hibernians emerged victorious in the latest edition of the Derby of the South, edging bottom-placed Tarxien Rainbows in a closely fought encounter that delivered drama, controversy and late-deciding action.
The Paolites ultimately prevailed by the narrowest of margins in a match that saw both sides threaten regularly, but where fine margins โ and the intervention of Football Video Support (FVS) โ proved decisive.
Hibernians believed they had broken the deadlock after just 12 minutes when Lucas Villela reacted quickest inside the area to tap home from close range. However, celebrations were cut short as referee Fyodor Zammit reviewed the incident via FVS and ruled that a foul had been committed in the build-up, leading to the goal being disallowed.
Tarxien then thought they had taken the lead themselves midway through the first half. Alexandre de Barros headed home from a well-delivered cross by Claudio Henrique on 24 minutes, only for FVS to once again intervene, this time flagging the Rainbowsโ forward for an offside position.
With both sides frustrated by the technology but still pushing forward, the match remained goalless at the break.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 57 minutes when Cleiton produced a decisive moment of quality. The Brazilian forward found space on the edge of the area before drilling a low effort past Tarxien goalkeeper Miguel Spiteri, a strike that ultimately settled the contest.
Despite Tarxienโs efforts to find a late equaliser, Hibernians managed the closing stages well to secure all three points. The win sees the Paolites draw level with Gลผira United at the top of the Bottom 6 standings, while Tarxien remain rooted to the foot of the table.
The derby may have been short on goals, but it was rich in intensity and talking points, underlining just how fine the margins can be at this stage of the season.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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