HIBERNIANS 4 RABAT AJAX 1

Expectations were met this evening as Hibernians, having garnered maximum points from their first three games, swept past a Rabat Ajax who were still without a point, to maintain their pristine opening to the season.

Yet, the BOV Premier League leaders had to overcome the early setback of conceding a seven-minute goal to their opponents but strikes by Luis Edison, Jackson Lima and Andrew Cohen turned the tide in their favour to extend their winning streak to four matches.

A shock looked on the cards when the Magpies took an unexpected lead after seven minutes.

Diego Carrillo Pendas’s dangerous cross from a corner prompted Mario Muscat to dash out of his box and cut out the danger but his short clearance fell to Daniel Pelaez who smashed the ball home from the edge of the area with a sumptuous left-foot half-volley of exquisite timing and technique.

But Rabat’s hopes of holding on their advantage until half-time were dashed when Hibernians made it one-all just past the half hour.

Jackson Lima’s teasing free-kick from the left sailed into the crowded box, Clifford Gauci inadvertently flicked the ball onto the far post where Luis Edison was left unmarked to head past Pavle Velimivoric in 32nd minute.

The Paolities forged ahead after 57 minutes when Failla served Jackson Lima into the box who scored with a thumping shot. Three minutes later, Nisevic’s men secured the points when Dias charged clear on the right right. His perfect cross dropped to Luis Edison who shot on goal as Cohen slid in to deflect the ball into the net.

That third goal resulted in Rabat going into a defensive shell but Luis Edison showed his goalscoring prowess after 70 minutes when the Brazilian neatly chested the ball down before firing an unstoppable rising shot into the top corner.

This goal prompted Hibernians to ease their pressure as they strolled through the remaining minutes without taking unnecessary risks.