HIBS-4, MQABBA-1
Hibs opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a comprehensive 4-1 win over nine-man Mqabba at the Victor Tedesco Stadium this evening.
The Paolites scored two goals in each half to extend their winning run to seven games in a row, in the process increasing the pressure on champions Valletta, currently second, ahead of their derby against Floriana on Sunday.
Hibs enjoyed a flying start, taking the lead after two minutes. After Mqabba had partially cleared a cross from Marcelo Dias, Edison darted through before crossing for Clayton Failla who powered the ball into the net.
The Paolites' brisk opening produced a second goal on 10 minutes, Failla scoring with another strong finish after receiving from Dias.
Mqabba looked down and out but they revived their hopes when pulling one back on 11 minutes. Bojan Mamic ran forward on the left wing before hitting a dipping cross-shot that had the better of Mario Muscat in the Hibs goal.
But, Mqabba suffered a hammer blow on 14 minutes when Mamic was sent off for hitting out at Failla.
Down to 10 men, Mqabba were now facing an uphill task as Hibs increased their pressure. Andrew Cohen's free-kick flashed into the area but none of his Hibs team-mates managed to connect.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Hibs but they restored their two-goal lead six minutes into the second half. Dias ran past Mqabba defenders Branislav Timotic and Mark Anthony Psaila before crossing to the unmarked Edison who slotted home at the far post.
It was all Hibs now. Mqabba goalkeeper Calleja tipped Edward Herrera's shot onto the crossbar after the latter had received from Dias.
Substitute Peter Anizoba came close to increasing Hibs' advantage but his diagonal strike ended wide on 73 minutes. Four minutes later, Mqabba were reduced to nine men after defender Timotic was sent off for obstructing the way for Edison.
After Mqabba goalkeeper Calleja had somehow managed to stop Edison's close-range flick from crossing the line, Hibs made it 4-1 on the stroke of time with a fine strike by Anizoba.
Failla was named BOV player of the match.