Birkirkara’s Nikola Vukanac heads the ball ahead of Luis Edison. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Hibernians 1
Edison 9;
Birkirkara 0

This was another bold statement from Hibs about their title intentions as they produced a polished display to edge past nearest rivals Birkirkara in front of a packed stadium in Corradino.

Branko Nisevic’s men had drawn praise for their impressive firepower which saw them winning seven of their opening eight matches.

And against Birkirkara, the Paolites displayed another part of their repertoire as after taking an early lead through Luis Edison they opted for a containing game, completely annihilating their opponents’ attacking approach.

In fact, although Birkirkara dominated possession they rarely threatened Henry Bonello’s goal as Hibs bagged another important victory that lifted them seven points clear at the top of the league standings.

Nisevic was forced to make two changes as Timothy Tabone Desira was given the nod to start on the right flank of defence in the absence of the suspended Marcelo Dias.

Jackson Lima was handed a starting berth in midfield with Johann Bezzina declared unfit to start.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, kept faith with the same players that figured in the 2-0 win over Valletta. Again, Shola Shodiya Haruna and Edmond Agius started on the bench.

Hibs hit the ground running and after three minutes Clayton Failla directed a dangerous cross-shot that completely surprised Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber with the ball bouncing off the bar before the Stripes defence cleared.

Birkirkara responded on eight minutes when they were awarded a central free-kick and Matheus Bissi’s thumping drive flashed just wide.

However, a minute later it was Hibs who struck.

Jorginho outmuscled Nikola Vukanac and he quickly fed his striking partner Luis Edison who had ample space in the box before drilling his shot past Haber.

The Stripes looked to step up their game and on 16 minutes they had a good opportunity to restore parity.

Zach Muscat burst clear on the right before sending a low cross that was somehow cleared by the Paolites defence with the ball falling into Ryan Scicluna’s path but he fired over from an inviting position.

On 22 minutes, Edward Herrera made headway on the right flank before sending a dangerous cross towards Rafael Ledesma but the Stripes forward was anticipated by an excellent diving clearance from Andrei Agius.

On the half hour, Zammit was forced to make his first change when Bissi limped out injured. He was replaced by Haruna.

The Nigerian’s inclusion saw Birkirkara switch to a three-man rearguard with Paul Fenech adopting a more covering position in front of defence while Haruna formed a three-pronged forward line along with Ledesma and Liliu.

Five minutes from the break Edison lost his balance in a duel with Vukanac. ‘Penalty’ shouted Hibs but the referee deemed otherwise.

Birkirkara looked to raise their game on the restart and Haruna tried his luck from the distance but his effort was neutralised by Bonello.

The Paolites responded when from a corner, Failla picked Edison who tried an audacious overhead kick with his shot finishing out of range.

Birkirkara continued to hold the upperhand with Hibs looking comfortable to soak up their pressure and try and catch their opponents on quick counter breaks.

Zammit withdrew the tiring Ryan Camenzuli and introduced Agius as he looked to inject fresh energy into his team’s engine room.

Time was running out for Birkirkara who were struggling to find openings in a compact Hibernians defence.

It was Hibernians who almost sealed the points six minutes from time when Jorginho did well to control the ball inside the area before hitting a shot that drew a fine one-handed save from the Stripes keeper.

In time added on, Hibs had another chance to wrap up the match when Edison released substitute Jurgen Degabriele who was clean through but the young Hibs forward saw his effort stopped by Haber.

But that little mattered as seconds later the referee blew the final whistle to the delight of the rowdy Hibs supporters.

Hibernians
H. Bonello-6, T. Tabone Desira-6.5, R. Gomes-6, J. Lima-6.5, R. Soares-7, A. Cohen-6 (85 J. Pearson), B. Kristensen-6.5, C. Failla-6, A. Agius-7.5, L. Edison-7, Jorginho-6.5 (90 J. Degabriele).

Birkirkara
J. Haber-6, M. Bissi-5 (30 S. Haruna-6), N. Vukanac-6, A. Mendoza-6, R. Ledesma-5, P. Fenech-5.5, Z. Muscat-5.5, R. Scicluna-5.5 (84 L. Grech), E. Herrera-5.5, R. Camenzuli-5 (71 E. Agius-5), Liliu-4.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Yellow cards: Failla, Muscat.

BOV player of the match: Luis Edison (Hibernians).

Attendance: 1,720.