Second-half surge lifts Hibs

Hibernians 4
Cauchi 16; Herrera 44; Barbara 55; Fenech 60 og
Ħamrun Spartans 2
Spiteri 34, 77

For the second time in four days, Hibernians lulled their opponents into a false sense of security, to the point of cruelly instilling confidence in them before applying the killing touch.

As happened against Dingli, Mark Miller's team endured some early pressure before delivering a timely reminder why they were crowned champions last May.

Coach Steve D'Amato, though, should take considerable heart from a resolute first-half display which suggested Ħamrun will be a tough nut to crack this season.

The Spartans opted for a bold attacking formation as Marcelo Pereira was deployed deep infront with Diego Cucciardi and Gaetan Spiteri just behind and support from the flanks coming from the busy Timothy Fleri Soler and Mark Barbara.

On the other side, Andrew Cohen bore the brunt of covering duties in midfield with Olegs Malasenoks, Etienne Barbara and Elkien Cauchi in advanced positions.

Hibernians made a high-tempo start as they took the lead after 16 minutes. Cohen's shot was blocked into the path of Cauchi who was allowed time and space to slot home.

After conceding that early goal Ħamrun regained composure to ensure that Hibernians never had total mastery of the game.

In fact, on 34 minutes, Spiteri raced on to a throughball between two Hibernians men before unleashing a fierce shot that hit the net via the woodwork. The Spartans' sudden revival, driven by Mangion's work ethic and Spiteri's speed brought the game to life.

Hibernians were on the ropes and again the chance fell to Spiteri but his powerful free-kick was superbly tipped over the bar by Mario Muscat.

The tide soon turned though and the Paolities clicked into higher gear.

Just before half-time, Edward Herrera, so quiet in the opening period, drove into the box and beat Casha with a low shot.

Ħamrun's goal fell under siege as the second half started. Suddenly the Spartans no longer looked so impressive on the counter-attack and were unable to close down Hibernians' attacking trio with Barbara now roaming freely in the opponents' half.

Hibs' third goal was in the air and it duly arrived when Barbara got round a defender to shoot low into the right corner after 55 minutes.

A few minutes later, Barbara, now fully enjoying himself, saw his attempt being blocked by the onrushing Casha.

Ħamrun were struggling to get out of their shell and looked increasingly dizzy and disorientated.

On the hour mark, Roderick Fenech made a desperate attempt to clear the ball before Barbara could slot it. He screwed the shot into his own net instead.

On 77 minutes, Spiteri capped a noteworthy display with a sweetly-struck shot from inside the box to make the score look more respectable for the Spartans.

Chances continued coming at both ends but Hibs easily prevailed to take home their second win in so many matches.

Meanwhile, journalists reporting the match yesterday had a hard time to get a hand on the teams' line-ups as these were only handed in 43 minutes after the referee had blown the whistle for kick-off.

Hibernians
M. Muscat-6, J. Caruana- 6, E. Herrera-6.5, R. Camilleri-6 (77' Grech), E. Cauchi-6.5 (46' Y. Cauchi-5), J. Pearson-6 (70' T. Caruana), R. Galabov-6.5, C. Callejas-6, E. Barbara-6.5, A. Cohen-7.5, O. Malasenoks-6.5.

Ħamrun Spartans
I. Casha-5, R. Mangion-6, R. Fenech-5, L. Agius-6 (60' Debattista-5), M. Barbara-6 (66' Mifsud-5), N. Galea-5, M. Pereira-5.5, G. Spiteri-7, M. Hrusba-6, T. Fleri Soler-6, D. Cucciardi-6 (80' Cacciatolo).

Referee: Clayton Pisani.

Yellow cards: Galea, Camilleri, Agius, Galabov, Cucciardi.

BoV player of the match: Andrew Cohen (Hibs).