Hibernians 6
Cohen 13; Edison 19, 40; Failla 52; Farrugia 80; Kristensen 89;
Mosta 0

The BOV Premier League title race is set for an exciting finale after Hibernians put on an imperious attacking performance to hammer Mosta and join Birkirkara at the top of the Premier League standings on 42 points.

There was never any doubt as to where victory was heading for yesterday as the Paolites were all over their opponents from the outset.

Inspired by the constant running of Clayton Failla and Andrew Cohen and the crisp finishing of Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’, they simply tore the Mosta defence to shreds.

Such a commanding display will surely have buoyed the Hibs fans ahead of their final league game against outgoing champions and rivals Valletta where victory is a must as Birkirkara are fancied to beat Tarxien Rainbows in their last league game. If both Hibs and Birkirkara win next weekend, a decider will be needed to decide the title issue.

Hibernians coach Michael Woods was boosted by the return from suspension of Brazilian Rodolfo Soares who started ahead of Zoran Levnaic. Jean Paul Farrugia was given the nod to start upfront alongside Edison with Marcelo Dias named among the substitutes.

Mosta coach Danilo Doncic was forced to make do without Brazilian midfielder Carlos Campagnoli, out with an ankle injury, while Danail Mitev was missing after being given a two-match ban following his dismissal in his side’s goalless draw against Birkirkara.

Steve Bezzina and Jonathan Bajada were both recalled to the starting XI as the Blues looked for the second successive positive result in the league.

As expected, it was Hibs who controlled proceedings early on and after 12 minutes, Failla released Jackson Lima on the left. The Brazilian sent a teasing cross towards Edison who saw his firm header come off the post.

Mosta failed to heed the alarm bells and Hibs struck in their next foray. They were awarded a free-kick just outside the area and Cohen let fly a sweetly-struck drive that flew past the stranded Jeffrey Farrugia in the Mosta goal.

Hibs almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Cohen put Failla through and the Malta winger opted to square the ball to Edison who was anticipated by the alert Bryan Agius who cleared the danger.

Mosta were nowhere to be seen and Hibs struck their second on 19 minutes. Bjorn Kristensen won possession in midfield and quickly released Edison who easily beat Farrugia from close in.

The woodwork came to Mosta’s rescue again on 29 minutes when the impressive Cohen played Farrugia in but the Hibs forward saw his shot smack against the upright.

A minute later, Failla delivered a good cross towards Edison whose first-time volley was pushed away for a corner by goalkeeper Farrugia.

Mosta’s first attempt at goal finally arrived on 38 minutes when Manolito Micallef hit a rising shot that finished over.

The Blues gifted Hibs a third goal five minutes from the break. Farrugia supplied a teasing cross which was intercepted by Ferdinando Apap but the Mosta defended cleared straight into the feet of Edison who rammed the ball home.

Mosta were leaking water from everywhere and four minutes from the break Edison played Obinna Obiefule through but the Nigerian hit wide.

In first-half stoppage time, the Nigerian forward missed another sitter. From Failla’s corner, the ball dropped into Obiefule’s path but his strong effort was blocked by Farrugia.

Hibs had no intention to ease the pace. They struck again seven minutes into the second half when Farrugia’s low cross was deflected by Failla with the ball hitting Mosta defender Tyrone Farrugia before rolling into the back of the net.

That turned out to be Failla’s last contribution as two minutes later, he was replaced by Ayrton Azzopardi. Minutes later, Cohen was also withdrawn, making way for Johann Bezzina as Woods sought to give some rest to his key personnel with the Valletta test in mind.

Doncic, on his part, was forced to take off goalkeeper Farrugia, who had earlier picked up a knock in a challenge, and threw on Noel Attard.

Four goals to the good, Hibs took their foot off the pedal as they were happy to administer their lead against a Mosta team who looked unable to threaten the Paolites’ dominance.

Hibs goalkeeper Mario Muscat finally got a touch to the ball on 73 minutes when he easily blocked Bajada’s long-range shot.

Edison almost completed his hat-trick 14 minutes from time when he latched on to a Kristensen pass but his header flashed wide.

Bezzina stopped Alan Kardeck from putting his name on the scoresheet as the Mosta full-back cleared the Brazilian’s shot off the line after good work by Kristensen.

Hibs’ fifth goal arrived on 80 minutes when Farrugia hit a fierce drive that slipped through the hands of Attard and dropped into the net.

The rout was complete a minute from time when Edison set up Kristensen who drove the ball into the far corner of the net.

Hibernians
M. Muscat-6, R. Camilleri-6, J. Pearson-6, R. Soares-6.5, A. Cohen-7.5 (55 J. Bezzina-6), B. Kristensen-7, J. Lima-6.5, C. Failla-7 (54 A. Azzopardi-6), O. Obiefule-6 (59 A. Kardeck-6), L. Edison-7, J.P. Farrugia-7.

Mosta
J. Farrugia-5 (62 N. Attard-4), F. Apap-4, T. Farrugia-5, B. Agius-5 (76 K. Zammit), M. Micallef-5, S. Bezzina-6, R. Grech-5 (46 B.C. Mbonu-4), J. Bajada-5, K. Magro-5.5, A. Cini-6, F. Vignaroli-5.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Yellow card: Agius.

BOV player of the match: Luis Edison (Hibernians). Attendance 959.

Standings