Late goals lift Paolites

Champions Hibernians struck two late goals to lower the colours of neighbouring Tarxien Rainbows 2-1 in an exciting derby at the National Stadium.

The Malta champions looked to be in trouble when Anderson Ribeiro fired the Rainbows ahead after 20 minutes.

Hibs looked in trouble and it had to been a string of excellent saves from goalkeeper Mario Muscat to deny the Rainbows from increasing their advantage.

However, Tarxien's inability to score a second goal came back to haunt them as 11 minutes from time Hibs were awarded a penalty and Andrew Cohen drilled the ball home.

The Paolites were not finished yet as seven minutes from time Adrian Pulis was first to a Triston Caruana corner to head the ball home.

There was more drama in store as three minutes from time Hibs goalkeeper Mario Muscat received a second yellow card and the Paolites were forced to play the final minutes with defender Jonathan Caruana in goal.

However, they defended diligently to hang on for all three points.