Hibernians 3
Soares 7; Farrugia 76; Failla 81;
Tarxien Rainbows 0
Hibernians started their Championship Pool commitments on a sound footing after they saw off neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows, yesterday.
It was far from a convincing performance by the joint league leaders though despite having a player more for an hour following the first-half dismissal of Andrezinho.
In fact, Hibs still had to fend off the spirited Rainbows who were undone by their own failings at both ends of the field.
Hibs effected one change from the team that beat Żebbuġ Rangers 3-0 in the FA Trophy as defender Rodolfo Soares was recalled to fill the void left by Zoran Levnaic who is injured. Allan Kardeck, who rejoined the team last week, started among the substitutes.
Tarxien retained the same starting XI that had held Hibs to a goalless draw a fortnight ago as Orosco Anonam was fit enough to start on the bench but Branislav Timotic was still recovering from injury.
Hibs made a fast start and surged ahead after seven minutes. Clayton Failla’s cross was headed away by Steve Bonnici but Soares was on the right spot to volley home the loose ball.
Tarxien could have drawn level barely a minute late when Leandro burst clear from the right but miscued his shot with only goalkeeper Mario Muscat to beat.
Tarxien started to get more into the picture with their Brazilian trio of Andrezinho, Daniel Mariano Bueno and Leandro working looking find gaps in the Hibs’ half.
On 24 minutes, Marco Tulio sent a perfect ball towards the steaming Leandro who was anticipated by the quick-thinking Muscat.
Tarxien’s hopes of a recovery were dealt a blow on the half hour.
Andrezinho received two bookings in the space of two minutes which resulted in referee Marco Borg dismissing the Rainbows midfielder.
With a man more, Hibernians stepped up a gear and on 33 minutes they went close to a second goal when they were awarded a free-kick outside the Rainbows box. Jackson Lima’s inswinger finished just over.
Coach Clive Mizzi quickly moved to add cover to Tarxien’s backline when he withdrew Roderick Bajada and introduced Anonam.
Tarxien looked more compact now and almost drew level when Tulio’s long-range shot finished just over Muscat’s goal.
However, Hibernians remained the more dangerous team and on 40 minutes Jean Paul Farrugia showed great skill when beating two defenders before firing a low shot that was blocked by keeper David Cassar.
The Paolites kept the upperhand at the start of the second half. On 55 minutes, Failla initiated a quick raid down the left before serving Dias whose header sailed over.
Three minutes later Cassar had to be alert to palm away Lima’s delivery from a corner that looked destined to hit the net.
Tarxien had a golden chance to put themselves back into the match on 64 minutes when Leandro forced his way inside the Hibs box and was upended by Jonathan Pearson. From the penalty, Tanti saw his shot hitting the upright.
On 67 minutes, Michael Woods withdrew Jackson Lima and roped in Kardeck and the Hibs substitute almost left an instant impact as seconds from his entry he did well to connect to a Cohen cross but his header was pushed against the bar by Cassar before the Rainbows defence cleared.
Hibs doubled their lead 14 minutes from time when Farrugia was first to a Failla flag-kick and planted his header past Cassar.
Tarxien’s woes were further compounded nine minutes from time when Cassar charged out of his goal to anticipate the goalbound Failla but mistimed his sortie and paving the way for the Hibs winger to calmly place the ball inside an empty net.
Hibernians
M. Muscat-6, A. Pulis-6, R. Camilleri-6.5, J. Pearson-5.5, R. Soares-6 (84 B. Muscat), M. Dias-6 (63 J. Bezzina-6.5), A. Cohen-5.5, B. Kristensen-6, J. Lima-5.5 (68 A. Kardeck-6.5), C. Failla-7.5, J.P. Farrugia-7.5.
Tarxien Rainbows
D. Cassar-4.5, C. Mamo-5.5, M. Caruana-5, M. Tulio-5 (56 M. Tanti-5), Andrezinho, R. Bajada-5 (33 O. Anonam-6), Leandro-6.5, J. Grioli-5, R. Sammut-5.5, D.M. Bueno-6, S. Bonnici-4.5.
Referee: Marco Borg.
Yellow cards: Dias, Andrezinho, Bonnici, Farrugia, Grioli, Pearson, Camilleri.
Red card: Andrezinho (T) 31.
Missed penalty: Tanti (T) 64.
BOV Player of the match: Clayton Failla (Hibernians).