Naxxar Lions 0
Hibernians 2
Failla 27; Edison 61;
Hibernians were made to fight harder than expected to see off the challenge of a weakened Naxxar Lions side yesterday.
Although the final score might suggest that the Premier League leaders had a relatively easy afternoon, in reality things were much more complicated for Branko Nisevic’s side.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession, Hibernians struggled to break down a resolute Naxxar team who gave everything they had in their tanks to try and contain their opponents for much of the encounter.
It had to be a perfect free-kick from man-of-the-match Clayton Failla, who had earlier missed a penalty, to give the Paolites a breakthrough.
One thought that Hibs would go on to stamp their authority but that was not the case as the Lions continued to battle hard, frustrating their opponents who had to wait until midway through the second half to wrap up the points thanks to leading scorer Luis Edison who netted his 20th league goal of the season.
In the end, it was mission accomplished for the Paolites who restored their 15-point lead over nearest rivals Valletta and Birkirkara at the top of the standings.
Despite their brave display, Naxxar offered little going forward. Surely, they must bring more reinforcements this month if they are to become more competitive and pull away from the lower places in the table.
Nisevic, the Hibs coach, was boosted by the return from suspension of Bjorn Kristensen who started ahead of Johann Bezzina. The latter had to settle for a place on the bench.
Joseph Mbong was handed a recall, replacing the injured Timothy Tabone Desira, while Marcelo Dias, who has just recovered from an ankle problem, was included in the 18-man squad.
Naxxar coach Jesmond Zerafa was forced to make a few changes to his starting formation after the league strugglers released four players last week, namely Pape Gueye, Uchenna Emenike, Uzeh Edafe and David Reano.
Goalkeeper Julian Azzopardi, midfielder Albert Bruce and striker Daren Falzon were all suspended.
Young Luke Pecorella was given the nod to start in goal while Victor Bellia and David Fenech were handed the task of running the team’s engine room.
Up front, Jorge, making his Lions debut, partnered Terence Vella and the returning Gilmar in a three-pronged attack.
The match was a hard-fought affair for much of the opening 20 minutes.
The Paolites had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on 23 minutes when Luis Edison was brought down in the penalty area by Andrew Scicluna and referee Marco Borg immediately pointed to the spot.
Failla stepped up for the kick but his thumping drive was splendidly pushed away by the diving Pecorella.
The Malta wing-back soon made amends as four minutes later Hibs were awarded a free-kick from a central position.
Failla’s curling drive flew past the stranded Pecorella and into the top corner of the net.
The goal gave more impetus to the leaders. On 35 minutes, Andrew Cohen served Failla who hit a rasping drive that was somehow kept out by Pecorella.
Two minutes later, Mbong picked out Jonathan Pearson inside the area and the defender quickly nodded the ball into the path of Edison but the Brazilian fired over.
On the restart, the Paolites stepped up their efforts in search of a second goal.
Three minutes into the second half they were almost gifted one when Pecorella inexplicably charged out of goal to block the advancing Edison who ably turned past the Naxxar custodian but his effort was cleared off the line by Scicluna.
Hibs continued to call the tune. On 59 minutes, Cohen put Mbong clear but the Malta U-19 forward was thwarted by the onrushing Pecorella.
The Paolites doubled their lead on 61 minutes. Kristensen burst clear on the right and sent a low cross that rolled past goalkeeper Pecorella and into the path or Edison who stabbed the ball home.
Edison’s goal seemed to have settled the match as the Paolites were now in cruise control while Naxxar looked short of energy.
It was Hibs who should have added a third on 69 minutes when Cohen ran into the area from the left and sent a dipping cross towards the unmarked Jackson Lima who hit wide in front of a gaping goal.
Seven minutes from time, midfielder Pablo Doffo tried to make something happen for Naxxar Lions but his strong drive from the edge of the area finished just over.
Naxxar Lions
L. Pecorella-5.5, A. Scicluna-6, I. Edet-6, V. Bellia-6 (73 D. Bonnici), T. Vella-5, M. Del Negro-5, Gilmar-5.5, P. Doffo-6, D. Fenech-6, A. Buhagiar-6, Jorge-4.5.
Hibernians
H. Bonello-6, J. Mbong-7, J. Pearson-6, J. Lima-6 (73 J. Bezzina), R. Soares-6, A. Cohen-6.5 (85 J. Degabriele), B. Kristensen-6, C. Failla-7.5, A. Agius-6, L. Edison-6.5 (90 D. Vella), Jorginho-5.5.
Referee: Marco Borg.
Yellow cards: Edet; Pearson; Lima; Fenech.
Missed penalty: Failla (H) 23.
BOV player of the match: Clayton Failla (Hibernians).
Attendance: 988.