Hibernians 5
Cohen 9; Edison 55, 56, Failla 63 pen., 70;
Naxxar Lions 1
Gilmar 82;

Andrew Cohen, of Hibs, charges forward against Naxxar. Photo: Chris Sant FournieAndrew Cohen, of Hibs, charges forward against Naxxar. Photo: Chris Sant Fournie

Leaders Hibernians gave another timely reminder of their attacking power as they turned on the style to thump Naxxar Lions 5-1 in a one-sided encounter at the National Stadium yesterday.

After seeing Birkirkara and Valletta slip to unexpected defeats on Wednesday, the Paolites took to the field yesterday determined to make the most of the opportunity to try and steal a march on their nearest rivals before the international break.

And Branko Nisevic’s men ensured there would be no major upsets as they clicked into gear right from the outset and once Andrew Cohen put them ahead there was no way back for Naxxar.

The Paolites grew in stature as the minutes passed before hitting top gear after the interval with a four-goal blitz in a 15-minute spell that all but sealed the points to make it seven wins in a row and extend their lead at the top to six points over nearest rivals Birkirkara.

Eager not fall in the same trap as their arch-rivals who lost against less-quoted opponents, Hibs imposed themselves on the game from the off, pegging Naxxar in their own half for long spells.

The prospect of taking on an embattled Naxxar team ravaged by the absence to two key players, namely Pablo Doffo (injured) and Angus Buhagiar (suspended) can only have lifted Hibs’ optimism.

Naxxar coach Winston Muscat gave a debut to former Hibernians midfielder Christopher Uzeh Edafe who was detailed to provide extra cover in front of the defence in a 4-3-2-1 configuration.

With Hibs likely to pose a significant threat on the wings, the inclusion of Ryan Gilmour Cassar, who deputised for Buhagiar, was aimed at strengthening Naxxar defensive acumen on the right flank.

Nisevic’ s policy to rotate his foreigners continued as Rui Gracia Gomes was drafted into the formation at the expense of Jackson Lima while Jonathan Pearson started ahead of Keith Tanti.

Hibs, deployed in a 3-5-2 formation in which Andrew Cohen was granted a roaming role behind the striking duo of Jorginho and Luis Edison, had an edge in terms of ball possession with their attacking endeavours stretching the Naxxar defence in the opening minutes.

Latching on to a fine a pass from Cohen, Jorginho advanced menacingly in the box before letting fly a powerful low drive that was kept out by Julian Azzopardi.

That was a temporary reprieve for Naxxar as Hibs took a deserved lead in the ninth minute. Cohen’s goalbound effort was kept out by Azzopardi but the Malta midfielder was first to the rebound to fire home.

The force was with Hibs now and Edison released Jorginho on 13 minutes but the latter’s attempt was deflected away for a corner.

Shy of the half hour mark, Gilmar broke Hibs dominance with a dangerous shot that was blocked by Henry Bonello.

Hibs were quick to respond as Failla angled a teasing cross from the left wing and Edison rose high to glance the ball goalwards but Azzopardi tipped the effort over the bar.

Having struggled to make his mark in the first half, Edison was a rejuvenated man after the break.

On 55 minutes, Cassar appeared to have the ball covered but Jorginho unsettled the defender to seize possession before squaring for Edison who was on hand to blast home.

Then, Failla flicked the ball towards Edison who headed the ball into the net.

Three minutes past the hour mark, Hibs made it 4-0. They were awarded a penalty after Edafe tripped the advancing Jorginho. From the spot, Failla sent Azzopardi the wrong way.

There was no reprieve for the confused Naxxar.

On 70 minutes, fastening on to an accurate pass from Bjorn Kristensen, Failla dispatched a low shot beyond Azzopardi.

Eight minutes from time, Gilmar pulled a goal back when his shot surprised Jurgen Borg, who had replaced Bonello.

Hibernians
H. Bonello-6 (67 J. Borg-5), R. Soares-6, M. Dias-5.5 (73 Jackson), A. Cohen-6.5, J. Bezzina-6, B. Kristensen-6.5, C. Failla-8, R. Gomes-5 (46 Pearson-6), A. Agius-6, L. Edison-7.5, Jorginho-6.5.

Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-6, A. Scicluna-5, I. Edet-5, D. Falzon-5 (70 V. Bellia-4), T. Vella-4.5 (80 D. Bonnici), R. Cassar-5, M. Del Negro-5, P. Gueye-5, Gilmar-6, D. Reano-5 (70 U. Eminike-5), C. Uzeh Edafe-5.5.

Referee: Chris Lautier.

Yellow card: Scicluna.

BOV player of the match: Clayton Failla (Hibs).

Attendance: 791.

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