HIBERNIANS-1, TARXIEN RAINBOWS-0

Hibernians overcame the stern challenge of neighbours Tarxien Rainbows to boost their hopes of retaining the title as they are now only three points behind leaders Valletta with three games left to play.

Their task was anything but easy today as Tarxien were more than a match for the champions despite playing with 10 men for an hour after the early dismissal of Ebiabowei Baker.

Tarxien Rainbows were the more industrious side in the first half but their hopes took a blow when defender Ebiabowei Baker was sent off for two cautions.

Inside the opening minute, Tarxien had created a good chance as Joao Pedro's free-kick sailed towards the box but defender Bruno Oliveira lifted his shot over the bar.

The game remained finely-poised with Hibs producing a chance of their own when Jorginho, their most effective player so far, cut in from the right before releasing Jurgen Degabriele who curled his shot wide of the far post.

Andrea Cassar, the Tarxien goalkeeper, then pushed away a Clayton Failla cross-shot from a free-kick.

Late in the first half, Tarxien had another golden opportunity when Pedro found Luke Montebello in the box but the latter miscued his effort.

Hibs broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half. It was Jackson Lima who did everything as the Brazilian advanced after pouncing on a loose ball before hitting a low shot past Cassar.

Buoyed  by Lima's goal, Hibs threatened to increase their lead but Marcelo Dias, running in from the right to collect Jorginho's pass, fired wide from an angle.

Tarxien now faced an uphill battle but they refused to lie down.

Three minutes past the hour, Alex Alves put in a menacing cross from the right but the ball came off the head of Hevia and rebounded towards goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Andrei Agius then blocked a shot by Timothy Tabone Desira after another fine Tarxien move, started by Pedro, unlocked the Hibs defence.

As the Rainbows attacked, Hibs looked to operate on the counter. Jorge Santos, who had replaced Degabriele, was wide from the distance. Cassar then denied Lima a second goal as the young goalkeeper produced a fine save to push away the Brazilian's curler.

Into the last 10 minutes, Nilsson was gifted an opening following a misunderstanding between Haber and Agius but the former Qormi forward mishit his shot from inside the box.

Lima was named BOV player of the match.