Hibernians 3
Tarxien 0
Champions Hibernians easily disposed of neighbours Tarxien Rainbows in a one-sided derby at the National Stadium. Jurgen Degabriele gave them the start they wanted when he headed in a Marco Sahanek corner after 23 minutes.
The Paolites kept hammering and past the half hour mark, Jackson Lima tested Christian Cassar who was well behind the trajectory of the ball. Soon after the restart, Artur Benes brought down Sahanek on the left flank.
From the ensuing free-kick, the winger drove ball high towards Joseph Mbong at the far post but the sturdy midfielder’s header skimmed the top of the bar and flew out. Substitute Marquinho put the issue beyond doubt when Elias laid the ball into the path of the Brazilian striker who prodded past Cassar from close in. Hibs’ ascendancy was rubber-stamped with a goal four times from time. It was netted by the talented Johann Bezzina who advanced into the box before poking home at the far post with a low drive. Hibs’ clear edge was thus rewarded with a convincing scoreline.
Tarxien, on their part, seemed doomed from the very beginning.
BOV player of the match: Marko Sahanek (Hibernians).
