Rampant Paolites crush Mosta

Hibernians sent a clear title warning to rivals Birkirkara after producing an imperious attacking performance to see off Mosta 6-0 at the National Stadium.

The Paolites are now sharing top spot with Birkirkara ahead the final round of fixtures and no doubt on the back of yesterday’s display Hibs will fancy their chances of having the final say in this year’s title race.

Hibs took the lead after 13 minutes. The Paolites were awarded a free-kick from just outside the area and Andrew Cohen let fly a sweetly-struck curling drive that flew past a stranded Jeffrey Farrugia in the Mosta goal.

Mosta were nowhere to be seen and Hibs struck their second on 18 minutes when Bjorn Kristensen won possession in midfield and quickly released Tarabai who easily beat Farrugia from close in.

The woodwork came to Mosta’s rescue again on 29 minutes when the impressive Cohen played Farrugia in but the Hibs forward saw his shot smack against the upright.

The Blues gifted Hibs a third goal five minutes from the break, when Farrugia sent a teasing cross which was intercepted by Ferdinando Apap but the Mosta defended cleared straight into the feet of Tarabai who rammed the ball home.

Hibs had no plans to relent the pace and the struck again six minutes into the second half when Farrugia’s low cross was deviated by Failla with the ball hitting a Mosta defender before ending into the back of the net.

A fifth goal arrived on 80 minutes when Farrugia got his name on the scoresheet when his fierce drive slipped through the hands of Attard and into the net.

The rout was complete a minute from time when Tarabai set up Kristensen who placed the ball into the far corner of the net.