Hibernians 4 Mosta 0

Hibernians earned maximum spoils against Mosta to bridge the gap between them and the leaders Valletta to a solitary point.

Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Branko Nisevic’s lads took the field with the right mind and offered a devastating attacking display which left Mosta puffing and panting and unable to leave even the minimal display of the proceedings with Jorge and Gilmar teaming up to help Hibs thrash their opponents.

The dice had been cast during the opening minutes when with a two-goal cushion, Hibs were then in no real danger of relinquishing any points. They maintained their momentum after ends were changed, doubling their advantage towards the beginning of the second half.

Okonkwo was in sight of goal inside the sixth minute but his shot was too central to trouble Birffa. The Paolites’ response was quick and fruitful. The ball was quickly transferred to Andrew Cohen who was floored by Dyson Falzon in the box, Clayton Failla rammed his spot-kick past the diving Omar Borg to put his side up.

A free-kick by Cohen two minutes later started the move which gave Hibernians a two-goal lead. His perfect service to Jorge was finished off with aplomb by the Brazilian striker.

The only blemish for Hibernians in a perfect start was the dismissal of Andrei Agius after 17 minutes when he committed what in football is generally referred to as a last-man foul on Fedelis. Soares moved backwards to fill the gap left by Agius, leaving Jackson Lima pulling strings alone in midfield.

Despite the setback, Hibs remained on top.

When the second half got underway, Mosta sought to up their game through the introduction of Gustavo Silva but their efforts were easily controlled by Hibernians.

But barely five minutes had passed and the Paolities were three goals up. A swift break from Degabriele saw him roaring forward on the right flank, before squaring the ball for Jorge who fed Gilmar on the left flank to shoot low in the corner.

The fourth goal arrived four minutes later. It was an identical build-up with Degabriele laying the ball for Gilmar and the formalities were completed.