QORMI            1

Gusman 66

HIBERNIANS   2

Bezzina 37

Taylon 64

Hibernians scored a goal in each half to see off a spirited Qormi side and return to the top of the Premier League standings.

Qormi made a storming start and after four minutes Hibs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg was alert to push over Gnindokpnou’s cross-shot.

At the other end, Taylon set up Jurgen Degabriele who looked odds on to score only to see his shot cleared off the line by Davide Mansi.

Hibs threatened again on 11 when Joseph Mbong brought the best out of Qormi goalkeeper Jamie Azzopardi.

The best chance of the match till that time fell to Gusman who in a quick break anticipated the onrushing Hogg with the ball rolling just past the upright.

Gradually, Hibs started to take control and Azzopardi did well to somehow keep out Tiago Fonseca’s header while on 18 minutes Taylon turned past his marker but was again denied by the Qormi no. 1.

The match remained a lively affair with the stalemate finally broken on 37 minutes.

Bezzina showed great composure to turn past his marker and hit a curling drive that flew into the top corner of the net.  

Hibs continued to keep the initiative and on 48 minutes Azzopardi showed great reflexes to keep out Taylons’ volley.

On 55 minutes, Gnindokponou’s low cross was connected by Kassiano Mendonca but was blocked by two Hibs defenders before the Paolites cleared.

Hibs wrapped up the points on 64 minutes when Degabriele released Taylon and the Brazilian blasted the ball past Azzopardi.

But Qormi refused to throw in the towel and reopened the match on 66 minutes when substitute Seo In Kim picked Gusman who kept his cool and slotted past Hogg.

Two minutes later, Hogg had to be alert to keep out Gnindokponou’s shot.

Sixteen minutes from time, Azzopardi again denied the Paolites when he smothered Taylon’s effort.