Naxxar Lions took bragging rights in their fierce rivalry with neighbours Mosta after they claimed a 2-1 victory at the Hibs Stadium.

The Lions were in control for much of the first half and deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes.

Mark Brincat brought down Gilmar on the edge of the area. The Brazilian picked himself up and let fly a curling drive that flew into the top corner of the net.

Mosta’s reaction arrived four minutes later when Nemanja Milovanovic sent a dipping cross towards Kaljevic who saw his header finished just wide.

But Naxxar soon regained the initiative and on 28 minutes Uchenna Emenike powered past Rodriguez Ekani and found Gilmar who volleyed the ball just over.

Ten minutes from the break, Naxxar protested for a penalty when Gilmar picked Vella just inside the area but the towering striker looked to have been brought down by Ekani but referee Sandro Spiteri waved play on.

Mosta were off to a strong start to the second half as inside the second minute they were level.

The Blues were awarded a central free-kick and Kaljevic let fly a curling drive that flew past the diving Azzopardi.

Mosta were a transformed side now and on 50 minutes Azzopardi had to charge out of his goal to block the goal-bound Milovanovic.

On 67 minutes, Gueye almost profited from a defensive indecision from Adrian Borg as the Senegalese dispossessed the Mosta defender but his effort was blocked by the onrushing Omar Borg.

But the Naxxar substitute was not to be denied on 71 minutes.

The towering striker rose to connect to Gilmar’s corner and his downward header had the better of of Omar Borg.

Naxxar midfielder Gilmar was voted as the BOV Player of the match.