Sliema Wanderers striker Michael Mifsud trying to find an opening despite the tight marking of the Hibernians players, yesterday. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Hibernians 3
Edison 37; Jorginho 46; Degabriele 86;
Sliema Wanderers 1
Potezica 27;

Hibernians gave another strong indication that they will be among the leading challengers this year when they came from behind to see off Sliema Wanderers, last night.

After opening their league campaign with expected victories against Żebbuġ Rangers and Qormi, Branko Nisevic’s Hibernians faced their first real test against the Wanderers.

The Paolites took some time to settle down and found themselves behind midway through the first half. But that Sliema opener spurred Hibernians into action as they looked a transformed side from then on.

In fact, they quickly regained control of the proceedings and, inspired by the strong running of Brazilian forwards Jorginho and Luis Edison and the excellent vision of Andrew Cohen, Hibs scored two goals at either side of half-time before adding a late third to win the match and join Bir-kirkara and Mosta on the nine-point mark.

Henry Bonello was back in the Hibs goal for the Paolites while Jackson Lima made his first appearance for the team after recovering from injury. Defender Rodolfo Soares, however, missed out as he was serving a one-match ban.

Sliema had John Mintoff and Trevor Cilia replacing Alex Muscat and Mark Scerri in their starting formation.

Hibs created the first danger on 14 minutes when Marcelo Dias sped clear on the right before entering the area but his cross found no takers and the chance went abegging.

At the other end, Cilia tried his luck from the edge of the area but his shot finished just wide.

The match remained short of scoring opportunities until the 27th minute when Sliema took the lead.

The Blues were awarded a free-kick deep into the left channel. Andrea Pisanu’s delivery was met by Marko Potezica who beat Bonello hands down.

The Paolites tried to respond and on 31 minutes Luis Edison picked Dias who found space inside the area but miscued his pass towards Jorginho much to the disappointment of the Brazilian winger.

Hibernians protested for a penalty nine minutes from half-time when Jorginho fell under the challenge of Paltemio Barbetti but referee Fyodor Zammit waved play on.

But the Paolites’ pressure paid off a minute later when Clayton Failla sent a dipping cross that was misjudged by goalkeeper Glenn Zammit and in came Edison who let fly a fierce volley that soared into the net.

The second half was barely a minute old when Hibernians stormed ahead.

Cohen ran clear and served Jorginho who sped past his marker before planting the ball into the top corner.

More woes followed for Sliema as on 55 minutes they were reduced to ten men when Beppe Muscat was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

On 62 minutes, Cohen showed great vision when picking up Edison who sped clear but lost his balance when he was about to shoot.

Greco tried to add some fresh energy to his forward line when he withdrew the subdued Michael Mifsud and introduced Axl Xuereb.

Hibs remained dangerous on the counter attack and on 72 minutes Edison stole possession in midfield and released Jorginho whose shot finished just over.

The Paolites all but wrapped up the points four minutes from time when Kristensen released Edison who tried to turn round Zammit but was blocked by the Sliema no.1 with the ball falling kindly into the path of substitute Jurgen Degabriele who tapped inside an empty net.

Hibernians
H. Bonello-6, K. Tanti-6, R. Da Graci Gomes-6, J. Lima-6.5, M. Dias-6.5 (90 T. Tabone Desira), A. Cohen-7, B. Kristensen-6, J. Bezzina-6, C. Failla-6.5, L. Edison-7 (90 J. Mbong), Jorginho-7.5 (83 J. Degabriele).

Sliema Wanderers
G. Zammit-5, A. Scozzese-5, M. Potezica-6, J. Mintoff-5 (81 L. Martinelli), M. Mifsud-5 (66 A. Xuereb-5), A. Pisanu-5.5, C. Gatt Baldacchino-5, T. Cilia-5 (74 P. Xuereb), P. Barbetti-6, B. Muscat, S. Bianciardi-6.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Yellow cards: Dias, Muscat, Jorginho, Bianciardi.

Red card: Muscat (S) 55.

BOV Player of the match: Jorginho (Hibernians).