HIBERNIANS-5, FLORIANA-0

Hibernians made it 12 games without a defeat after producing another top-notch performance to demolish Floriana 5-0.

This had been billed as a tricky match for the leaders after Floriana had upset Birkirkara before the international break but another shock was never on the cards after Hibs struck two goals in the opening eight minutes.

They literally swept Floriana off their feet, scoring three more goals to seal another emphatic win that took them 13 points clear at the top after Birkirkara lost to Pietà Hotspurs earlier in the afternoon.

Floriana almost stunned Hibs in the opening two minutes. Vito Plut, making progress down in the inside-right channel, slipped a through-ball to Conor Borg whose first-time flick ended just wide of the far post.

Hibernians produced an emphatic response.

Clayton Failla's cross from a left-wing corner caused panic in the Floriana box, Rodolfo Soares only made minimal contact with the ball but Luis Edison 'Tarabai' was on hand to drive home for his 12th goal of the season.

Five minutes later, Hibs increased their lead. Johann Bezzina chipped the ball into the box and towards the advancing Tarabai who squared to Jorginho. The Brazilian poked the ball into the net.

Midway into the first half, Jorginho's reverse pass released Failla but the latter's shot was easily saved by Valerio Senatore after taking a deflection.

Henry Bonello touched he ball for the first time on 28 minutes, fisting away Steve Pisani's set-piece cross-shot.

Hibs were quick to get the ball forward as Failla played in Tarabai but his tame lob was saved by Senatore.

The Greens should have narrowed the deficit eight minutes from half-time.

Plut advanced through the middle and played in the overlapping Andre Scicluna who managed to get a low cross into this six-yard box but Clyde Borg, sliding, failed to hit the ball properly and Bonello saved with ease.

The Paolites all but secured win two minutes from half-time.

Racing on to Jorginho's forward pass, Failla sped into the box, holding off Douglas who failed to clear the ball. Senatore blocked Failla's initial shot but the Malta wing-back rammed the ball home from the rebound.

Seven minutes into the second half, Hibs made it 4-0, Jorginho's firing home from close range after being set up by Tarabai.

Four became five on 66 minutes. Failla's cross from a free-kick soared into the box and Andrew Cohen headed past Senatore from close range.

Tarabai, the Hibs striker, was named BOV player of the match.

 

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