Valletta 3 Hibernians 1

Valletta got their season off to a flying start as they won the BOV Super Cup after beating rivals Hibernians 3-1. The Citizens ascertained their victory with three first half-goals in quick succession.

The Paolities faded after an encouraging opening as Mifsud gave the Lilywhites an early advantage with a fine angled finish in the 25th minute with virtually their first glimpse at the opponents' goal.

Valletta's opener was gleamed with both style and the intuitive understanding of the players linking perfectly. A through-pass by Roderick Briffa ripped open the Hibernians defence, leaving the nippy striker clear to beat Mario Muscat.

Hibernians to their cost, could not contain Mifsud. And seven minutes later, the Malta International striker punished Hibernians' flat-out approach with a devastating counter-attack. He showed all his skills in a single burst of pace before serving Leandro who deposited the ball home with a rising shot.

In the 35th minute, Hibernians' recovery hopes appeared to suffer a dead blow, Dyson Falzon made a perfectly-timed run into the box to collect another Briffa's pass as he kept his cool to chip the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

It seemed Valletta's momentum would overhelm their rivals but the Hibernians, to their credit, stood firm and on the stroke of half-time, they narrowed the deficit as Lima pounced in trademark fashion to fire a firm volley that gave Bartolo no chance.

Hibernians coach Woods attempted to step up the pressure after 72 minutes when replaced Dias with new recruit Ribeiro. And six minutes later, Bartolo came to his rescue by pushing on the bar a something of a fluke 'cross-cum-shot' from Herrera. Ribeiro started well as the Brazilian sent a thumping header against the bar from Pisani's cross.

But Valletta survived their third consecutive victory in this competition.