NAXXAR LIONS-0, HIBERNIANS-8

Hibernians bounced back to winning form with a bang after thrashing relegation strugglers Naxxar Lions 8-0.

As the scoreline clearly indicates, the game was a one-way affair as the champions dominated throughout to maintain their title push, narrowing the gap on leaders Valletta to one point before the latter's game against Sliema Wanderers this afternoon.

This game was as good as over after 24 minutes as Hibs surged into a three-goal lead.

They opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Latching on to Bjorn Kristensen's through-ball, Jorginho flicked the ball past Naxxar Lions goalkeeper Alberto Gallinetta and defender Andrew Scicluna's attempt to clear proved futile as the ball came off the upright and landed in the net.

Jurgen Degabriele doubled their lead midway into the first half with a curling shot after being set up by Gilmar's deft backheel.

The young Hibs striker scored his second two minutes later, rifling passing Gallinetta after profiting from more hesitant defending by Naxxar Lions.
Andrew Cohen hit the crossbar with a fine volley but, three minutes past the half-hour, Hibs made it 4-0 thanks to Jorginho who scored with a low shot.
Hibernians stayed in control after the change of ends.

A minute past the hour, Gilmar served Dias whose angled volley came off David Fenech's hands. Referee Marco Borg pointed to the spot and Gilmar sent Gallinetta the wrong way.

Degabriele completed his hat-trick on 65 minutes. From a swift counter-attack, Cohen sped into the box before teeing up Degabriele who looked to have mishit his effort but his lofted shot dropped into the net.

Hibs scored their seventh when Degabriele, in front of a gaping goal, rolled the ball to Cohen who tapped home.

Eleven minutes from time, Jorginho got goal no.8 for Hibs with a dipping shot after receiving from Cohen.

Gilmar was named BOV player of the match.