Hibernians scored a goal in each half to overcome a brave Pembroke Athleta side 2-1 at the Tedesco Stadium.

The champions forged ahead after four minutes. Clayton Failla sent a curling cross from the left into the path of Jorge who headed firmly past Mario Muscat, the Pembroke goalkeeper.

The Paolites remained on top and five minutes later they had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Gilmar was brought down in the area by Zoran Levnaic with the referee immediately pointing to the spot.

Failla stepped up for his kick but his rising shot finished wide.

Pembroke finally threatened eight minutes from the break when Kyle O’Brien’s volley from the edge of the area flew over.

But the Premier League newcomers equalised on the stroke of half-time when Siraj Arab hit a low drive that had the better of Hibs goalkeeper Rudy Briffa.

Hibs took just two minutes into the second half to regain their lead. Failla’s cross was deflected into the path of Gilmar who beat Muscat with a low volley.

Pembroke should have drawn level on 56 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Gustavo Villalobos was brought down in the area by Andrew Cohen. From the spot, the American striker drilled the ball wide.

Six minutes later Rudy Briffa showed great reflexes to keep out O’Brien’s shot from inside the area.

At the other end, Degabriele had a perfect chance to kill off Pembroke when he was played in by Kristensen but his shot was blocked by the onrushing Muscat.

Muscat again distinguished himself 12 minutes from time when he dived to his right keep out Jorge’s thundering drive.

Hibs almost paid dearly for these misses as nine minutes from time Ariel Laudisi controlled the ball inside the area before teeing up Villalobos who saw his angled drive coming off the upright... much to the relief of the Paolites.

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