Tarxien Rainbows 0
Hibernians 2
Soares 9; Edison 56;

Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ departed to a standing ovation with seven minutes of this one-sided encounter remaining.

This day was always going to be about Tarabai as the prolific Brazilian forward was making his last appearance for Hibs before heading to South Korea to join Seoul E-Land on an initial loan deal.

Elevated to team captain as a sign of appreciation for his sterling service to the Paolites, Tarabai signed off in style, producing a typically clinical finish 11 minutes into the second half to rubberstamp another victory for the unstoppable Paolites who extended their unbeaten run to 26 games.

A top-class finisher like Tarabai is sure to be missed but his parting gift galvanised Hibs’ grip on top spot as well as improving his own chances of staying at the summit of the scorers’ chart until the end of the season.

Tarabai’s 25th goal increased Hibs’ lead at the top to 10 points after Birkirkara, their nearest pursuers, had failed to step up their pursuit following a goalless draw against Floriana.

While the joyous Hibs fans were in party mood throughout, the few Tarxien supporters left Ta’ Qali dejected and fearing the worst after witnessing another lifeless display from their relegation-troubled team.

Tarabai took up his customary position in attack alongside fellow countryman Jorginho.

With Marcelo Dias ruled out with a muscle strain, Hibs coach Branko Nisevic deployed Johann Bezzina on the right of his five-strong midfield with Jackson Lima flanking Bjorn Kristensen in the centre.

Caution was the order of the day for the Rainbows as coach Clive Mizzi went with five at the back in a 5-4-1 formation. Darlington Obinna was Tarxien’s lone striker with the returning Carlos Menendez Hevia and Jorge Yepes detailed to provide support from midfield.

Edu Vallecillo and Soli Mouhamed were out, suspended.

It took Hibs only nine minutes to break the stalemate. Clayton Failla was the provider as his inviting cross soared into the box and Rodolfo Soares was on the right spot to head past Sean Mintoff.

The Paolites stayed in ascendancy. Jorginho breezed into the box as Tarxien were caught out at the back but the Brazilian’s effort landed wide.

With Tarxien setting out to defend in a bid to stifle Hibs’ attacking brilliance, the leaders inevitably dominated possession but their casual approach was making things easy for their opponents.

Just past the half-hour mark, Obinna, pouncing on a loose ball, tried to surprise the erstwhile inactive Henry Bonello but his long-range dipper lacked precision.

Obinna then made way for Firas Aboulezz after the Nigerian picked up a knock. Hevia Menendez moved up front after Obinna’s withdrawal.

The early stages of the second half were in keeping with the 45 minutes that preceded them as goalmouth action was rare.

Tarxien mustered a good opportunity seven minutes after the restart.

Hevia’s measured cross drifted towards Triston Caruana who swivelled before unleashing a rising volley that flew over the bar.

From the possibility of drawing level, Tarxien found themselves two goals down.

It was a moment to savour for the Hibs faithful as Lima’s astute pass found Tarabai who dispatched the ball into the net after his body feint had wrong-footed Mintoff.

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 deteriorated 17 minutes from time when defender Manuel Acevedo was shown a straight red card after he appeared to lash out at Tarabai.

Mintoff prevented Hibs from adding to their lead with two fine saves from Andrew Cohen’s curling free-kick and Lima’s ensuing effort.

Tarxien Rainbows
S. Mintoff-6.5, M. Caruana-5, O. Bugeja-5, J. Yepes-4 (78 M. Tabone), T. Caruana-5, R. Sammut-4, C. Hevia Menendez-6, J. Godar Pereira-4, A. Cini-5, D. Obinna-5 (30 F. Aboulezz-6), M. Acevedo.

Hibernians
H. Bonello-6, R. De Gracia Gomes-6.5, J. Lima-7, R. Soares-7 (88 K. Tanti), A. Cohen-6, B. Kristensen-6.5, C. Failla-6.5, J. Bez-zina-6 (74 J.P. Farrugia), A. Agius-6.5, L. Edison-7 (83 J. Degabriele), Jorginho-6.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Yellow cards: Agius; Hevia; Aboulezz; Sammut.

Red card: Acevedo (TR) 73.

BOV player of the match: Luis Edison (Hibernians).

Attendance: 1,687.

Standings

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Hibs	26	23	3	0	80	15	42
Birkirkara	26	16	5	5	49	24	32
Valletta	26	17	2	7	62	22	31
Floriana	26	10	9	7	45	42	25
Balzan	26	11	8	7	40	39	24
Sliema	26	8	7	11	33	40	18
Naxxar	26	7	7	12	31	39	17
Mosta	26	8	5	13	29	51	17
Qormi	26	5	6	15	28	46	12
Pietà H.	26	5	7	14	22	44	12
Żebbuġ	26	5	6	15	30	63	12
Tarxien	26	4	9	13	25	49	11