Tarxien Rainbows 0
Hibernians 1
Edison 90+;

An opening-day derby between Hibernians and Tarxien Rainbows raised hope of an explosive start to the 2013/14 Premier League season.

A largely lacklustre first half defied expectations of a combative encounter with Hibs, who harbour high hopes of challenging for the title after finishing runners-up in the last two years, flattered to deceive while Tarxien, with seven new players in their line-up, took a while to get going.

The dismissal of Marko Potezica late in the first half tilted the balance in Hibs’ favour but they initially struggled to make their numerical advantage count as the resilient Tarxien, inspired by excellent goalkeepering of Nicky Vella, breathed defiance.

The fighting spirit of the Tarxien players will have delighted coach Clive Mizzi and their fans after the squad overhaul in the close season as the Rainbows looked to have weathered the storm, much to the evident dismay of the Hibs fans.

As Hibs’ incessant attacks foundered on Vella’s brilliance, a goalless stalemate looked on the cards but Luis Edison popped up in the box deep into stoppage time to hit the ball into the net as Tarxien’s hearts sank.

While Edison’s late winner gave Hibs an early tonic, it did little to mask an unconvincing showing by the FA Trophy winners as most of their key players looked below-par, yesterday.

Ryan Camilleri and Zoran Levnaic were restored to Hibs’ starting formation after injury kept them out of the Super Cup defeat to Birkirkara. The Malta defender was preferred to youngster Neil Chetcuti while Levnaic replaced Rodolfo Soares who is sidelined with a fractured toe.

With no new signings to call upon, Hibs coach Branko Nisevic fielded a familiar line-up with Obinna Obiefule leading from the front and Luis Edison and Clayton Failla operating on the wings.

Hibs’ reliance on the ‘old guard’ was in contrast with the proliferation of new names in Tarxien’s squad.

They had seven new signings in their starting XI alone, including five new foreigners, Serbian Potezica and Brazilians Everton Souza, Fernando Lopes, Jorge Santos and Ronaille.

The other new names on Tarxien’s teamsheet were Josef Mifsud and Luca Martinelli, both taken on loan from Sliema Wanderers.

The Paolites were the more adventurous side for much of the opening half-hour but their performance rarely transcended the ordinary.

On one occasion, Obiefule managed to elude the Tarxien defence to close in on goal unchallenged but out came Vella to touch the ball away for a corner.

Tarxien didn’t see much of Mario Muscat’s goal in the early stages, threatening only once through Jorge.

The former Birkirkara winger partnered Ronaille up front as Tarxien coach Clive Mizzi opted for 4-3-1-2 with Everton operating in the proverbial hole bet-ween midfield and attack.

With 11 minutes of the first half remaining, Hibs fashioned a good scoring opportunity when Dias motored forward and centred for Obiefule but the Nigerian’s flick was wide.

Vella kept Hibs at bay five minutes from half-time when he cut out a cross-cum-shot from Failla.

Tarxien suffered a setback on the cusp of half-time when Potezica was sent off after receiving a second booking for a foul on Levnaic.

A man to the good, Hibs forced the tempo after the change of ends.

Ten minutes into the second half, Andrew Cohen’s free-kick arched towards the far post but Vella leapt to his left to push the ball away.

Out of nothing, Tarxien’s Jorge mustered a chance as he stole possession and cut inside before hitting a dangerous cross-shot that was warded off by Levnaic.

Hibs should have scored when Dias’s cross rolled into the path of Edison who tricked his way past Vella but his final effort was wide.

All routes seemed to be leading Vella’s goal at this stage.

Obiefule rose unimpeded to meet Jackson Lima’s perfect cross but his header bounced wide of the upright. Vella then stopped Edison’s header and Lima was wide with a free-kick.

The onslaught on Tarxien’s rearguard intensified. Dias, Hibs’ most enterprising player, unleashed another powerful run down the right before releasing Obiefule whose angled effort was deflected away by Lopes.

Tarxien refused to give in and in Jorge and Ronaille, they had players who could torment their opponents on the counter.

Mizzi’s men almost stunned Hibs when Carlo Mamo’s raking cross found the unmarked Sammut but the latter’s header drew a brave save from Muscat.

Vella was also prominent when beating away Bjorn Kristensen’s high-riser. Eight minutes from time, Edison, reinvigorated in the final stages of the game, jinked his way through but his swinging effort was stopped by Vella.

Just when it looked as though Tarxien had done enough to save a point, Hibs scored the winner.

Failla’s corner soared into the area and Edison slipped his marker to direct a downward header past Vella.

Tarxien Rainbows
N. Vella-8.5, C. Mamo-6, F. Lopes-7, A. Agius-6, M. Potezica, Ronaille-6.5 (85 S. Sadowski), Everton Souza-4 (46 R. Sammut-6), J. Mifsud-6, Jorge Santos-7 (90 K. Pulo), L. Martinelli-6, S. Bonnici-6.

Hibernians
M. Muscat-6.5, R. Camilleri-6, J. Pearson-6, Jackson Lima-5, M. Dias-7.5 (90 J. Bezzina), A. Cohen-5.5 (67 J.P. Farrugia-5.5), B. Kristensen-5.5, C. Failla-6, Z. Levnaic-6, O. Obiefule-4, Luis Edison-7.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Yellow cards: Potezica; Mifsud; Levnaic; Kristensen.

Red card: Potezica (T) 45.

BOV player of the match: Nicky Vella (Tarxien Rainbows).