SLIEMA WANDERERS         0

HIBERNIANS                    1

Taylon 53

Brazilian Taylon was on the mark as Hibernians edged past Sliema Wanderers to secure their fourth win in a row and join Valletta in second place, four adrift of leaders Gżira United.

The first half was devoid of scoring chances with the first opportunity coming five minutes from the break when when Sliema's Younes Marzouk showed great footwork to move past his marker and served Claudio Pani but the Italian midfielder fired wide from a good position.

Hibernians responded three minutes later when Dunstan Vella picked up a short rebound and his volley just missed the upright with Jake Galea beaten.

Seven minutes into the second half, Nemanja Radojevic came agonisingly close to put the Paolites ahead when he connected to Dunstan Vella corner kick but his header just missed the upright.

Sliema failed to heed to that warning as a minute later they found themselves behind.

Mbong dispossessed the dithering Cassar and quickly sent a low ball towards Taylon who stabbed the ball past Galea.

On the hour mark, Mattias Muchardi had a great chance to pull his team level when he was left in space inside the area but his header was straight into the hands of Andrew Hogg.

Buttigieg then withdrew the subdued Cassar and roped in Temile.

The former City winger almost left an instant mark as on 69 minutes connected to Ryan Fenech’s corner kick but his header was somehow kept out by Hogg.

Fifteen minutes from time, Mbong almost put the game to bed when he latched onto Degabriele’s pass but his angled drive flew over.

Joseph Mbong was voted as the BOV Player of the Match.