HIBERNIANS-5, ZEBBUG RANGERS-2
Hibernians put the Ched Evans controversy aside as they started the New Year with a 5-2 win over bottom club Zebbug Rangers.
Victory for Hibs restored their 15-point lead at the top but it was not easy afternoon for the leaders as Zebbug fought bravely, shocking their opponents with a third-minute goal, but the Paolites' attacking prowess ultimately proved too much for the Rangers who were also hampered by the second-half dismissal of Kurt Zammit.
Hibs were handed an early wake-up call as Zebbug Rangers took the lead after three minutes.
Carlo Monti made headway on the left, held off Timothy Tabone Desira and fired past Henry Bonello.
It took Hibs only six minutes to equalise thanks to Jorginho who raced into the box to reach Andrei Agius's long pass before hitting past Jeffrey Farrugia, the Zebbug goalkeeper.
Fifteen minutes into the game, Hibs threatened to take the lead as Tabone Desira's dipping cross was met by Luis Edison 'Tarabai' but his header was blocked by Farrugia.
Johann Bezzina then shot wide from outside the box after receiving from Cohen.
The Rangers refused to lie down. They came close to forging ahead round the half-hour mark but Bonello saved Matthew Bartolo's close-range shot after Thomas Paris's pass had trickled through the Hibs defence.
The Paolites took advantage of Bonello's crucial intervention, as 10 minutes from half-time, they went 2-1 up. Edison's free-kick from outside the box came off the Zebbug wall but the ball fell to Soares who sent his shot past Farrugia.
A quick interchange involving Edison, Jorginho and Failla opened up the Zebbug defence but the latter's drive was deflected away for a corner.
Farrugia then produced a fine save to keep out Cohen's drive.
The second half was only three minutes old when Bonello denied Zebbug an equaliser, pushing away Mattias Muchardi's shot.
Another Hibs attack saw Failla picked out Jorginho with a perfect cross but the Brazilian's header was tipped away by Farrugia.
Hibs increased their lead on 56 minutes. They were awarded a free-kick after Yessous Camilleri pushed the advancing Tarabai just outside the box and, from Failla's cross, Jonathan Pearson stabbed the ball home.
Yet, the Rangers battled on. They revived their hopes on 65 minutes when Monti's superb free-kick had the better of the diving Bonello.
But, with 16 minutes remaining, Zebbug suffered a blow when midfielder Kurt Zammit, who was making his debut after joining from Mosta, was dismissed after earning a second yellow card for a foul on Joseph Mbong.
A brilliant one-two between Jorginho and Tarabai tormented Zebbug defence as the latter sprinted into the box but his effort was parried away by Farrugia. Jacob Borg slid in to push the ball away from the Brazilian.
Tarabai was not to be denied though as, 10 minutes from the end, he was on hand to tap the ball home at the far post from Failla's corner.
Hibs were in control. Farrugia produced good saves to deny Cohen and Farrugia but the Hibs captain, who was named BOV player of the match, scored his side's fifth three minutes from time after receiving from substitute Jurgen Degabriele.