Champions Hibs spoiled Valletta’s unbeaten start to the season after beating their rivals 1-0 at the National Stadium this evening.

Terrence Scerri might have punished his former team as early as the 11th minute but his volley from Kevin Sammut’s cross was stopped by Mario Muscat, the Hibs goalkeeper.

The opening exchanges produced few scoring chances. Jonathan Pearson forced Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg into a difficult save with a strong drive from long range.

Hibs went ahead on 33 minutes. Having diverted Olegs Malasenoks’s cross onto the base of the post, Edward Herrera was on hand to fire home after the ball rolled back into his path.

Valletta might have gained an instant equaliser but Gilbert Agius’s free-kick was beaten away by Mario Muscat.

Early in the second half, Scerri headed over from Sammut’s cross and Muscat foiled Valletta again when keeping out Luke Dimech’s close-range header.

Valletta increased their pressure in the second half. Scerri headed wide and a dangerous effort by Doding Priso was deflected away for a corner.

In the latter stages, Hogg pushed away Hibs’ Ryan Camilleri after the Paolites had broken on the counter and Adrian Pulis denied Sceri an equaliser for Valletta when blocking his effort from inside the box.

Hibs now move to joint second in the Premier League, sharing the spot with Qormi and Birkirkara, three points behind Valletta.