ST ANDREWS’ 0 HIBERNIANS 3

Hibernians capitalised on Valletta’s upset against Pembroke to temporarily rise to the summit of the table alongside the Lilywhites.

On paper, Hibs shouldn’t have encounter much trouble to overcome modest St Andrews’ but the champions found it difficult to break down the resolute opponents in the first hour of play, Jorge’s opener relieved the growing pressure on the Paolites who needed a win to boost their championship charge.

Although their performance left much to be desired, Hibs will be to have achieved the objective as victory lifted them to the top spot level on 22 points with Valletta but Birkirkara second on 21 have a game in hand against Floriana, fourth on 19 points.

Hibernians are struggling to reproduce their enterprising football of last year, but created a good chance just before half-time to forge ahead. Jorge made space on the edge of the box and smacked a shot beyond Calleja but the ball ricocheted off on the post, rolled across the face of goal and into the keeper’s arms as the stalemate prevailed until the end of the first half.

With the Paolites showing no signs of shedding their inertia after the break, St. Andrews’ continued to push forward but Nwoko blasted high from few metres out after being set up by Grech.

Instead it was Hibernians who struck on the hour mark with an outrageous looping shot by Jorge over Calleja as the Saints defence stopped for an offside that never was.

But there was little the St Andrews’ defence could do on 63 minutes when Calleja was beaten by Gilmar’s low strike after his run had sparked panic in the Saints midfield.

Hibs wrapped up their win at death, Jorge hammering a shot past Calleja after the goalkeeper pushed substitute Zach Scerri’s effort in the Brazilian’s direction.