TARXIEN RAINBOWS-0, HIBERNIANS-2
Hibernians edged closer to the BOV Premier League title after a straightforward 2-0 victory over neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows took them 10 points clear at the top with only seven games remaining.
It was a perfect afternoon for the unbeaten leaders who, after watching nearest pursuers Birkirkara drop points in a goalless draw against Floriana, easily dismissed the tame challenge of the struggling Rainbows with striker Luis Edison 'Tarabai' marking his final appearance for Hibs with a trademark goal early in the second goal.
Hibernians were off to a flying start, taking the lead inside the opening nine minutes.
Clayton Failla played a crucial role as his inviting cross, from the right, sailed into the box and defender Rodolfo Soares was in the right spot to head past Sean Mintoff.
With Tarxien opting for a defensive approach, Hibernians saw more of the ball.
Jorginho, Hibs' Brazilian forward, sprinted into the box as Tarxien Rainbows were caught out at the back but the Brazilian's effort landed wide of the far post.
Despite their superior possession, Hibs were finding it difficult to penetrate Tarxien's crowded defence.
Just past the half-hour mark, Tarxien's Darlington Obinna, swooping on a loose ball, tried to surprise Hibs goalkeeper Henry Bonello with a looping drive from the centre-circle but his effort was high and wide.
Obinna then made way for Firas Aboulezz after the Nigerian had picked up a knock earlier.
The early stages of the second half offered little excitement but Tarxien had a good chance to tie the score after seven minutes.
Carlos Hevia's perfect cross sailed towards Triston Caruana who hit a rising volley that flew over the bar.
Tarxien paid dearly for this miss as Hibs doubled their lead four minutes later.
Jackson Lima's defence-splitting pass found Luis Edison Tarabai who calmly slotted the ball into the net after his body feint had wrong-footed Mintoff.
Tarabai, who was probably making his final appearance for Hibs ahead of his loan move to a South Korean club, celebrated by his strike by taking a selfie with his team-mates after being handed a mobile phone As is their wont, all the Hibs players joined in the goal celebrations, posing for a selfie with Tarabai after the mercurial striker had been handed a mobile phone from the bench.
Braving the biting cold, the Hibs fans were in full voice, chanting support for their team and club president Tony Bezzina.
A hasty clearance by the on-rushing Bonello gifted Tarxien a chance as the ball dropped in the path of Aboulezz but his tame effort was easily saved by the Hibs goalkeeper.
Tarxien's afternoon took another negative twist 17 minutes from time when Spanish defender Manuel Bonaque Acevedo was shown a straight red card after he appeared to lash out at Tarabai.
Hibs threatened to add to their lead but were denied further goals by Mintoff who saved efforts from Andrew Cohen, from a free-kick, and Lima.
Edison was named BOV player of the match.