Andrew Cohen confirmed his splendid spell when he shot beautifully from the edge of the area to score the winner and save Hibs’ blushes.

In fact Hibs, result apart, played very well below their usual self, and Lija were very close to snatch a surprise result.

Hibernians controlled the match for long stretches but lacked the necessary punch and determination in front of goal, with Terence Scerri again having an off-day. The striker seems to missing the partnership of Andre Schembri who joined Marsaxlokk.

Lija Athletics were only deceived by Cohen’s shot, but they only elected to defend and should have tried to add more pressure in front, as the Hibs defence was surely not at its best. Goalkeeper Agius had a good game together with Giles Lanzon and Gordon Camenzuli, who marred his good display when he was shown two yellow cards in the final minutes of the match.

Hibernians started the match with David Camilleri and Clayton Failla in the first eleven, with Baldacchino and Mbong missing. The latter’s absence was sorely felt in the Hibs set up.

Lija Athletic had Glenn Barry and Gordon Camenzuli in attack with Zammit, Anicic, Camilleri and Vella in midfield. The latter was playing against his old club, since he joined Lija on loan, and showed some very neat touches and good distribution of the ball.

As was expected Hibs did the early running but were never really dangerous. Their first attempt was through Andrew Cohen who however hesitated and was blocked in time. On the on the other hand Lija had a very good opportunity on 18 minutes when a long ball deceived Ryan Mintoff and Gordon Camenzuli came face to face with Mario Muscat but his shot was rather weak and Muscat managed to block.

Two minutes later it was Lija goalie Agius that saved his side when he showed good reflexes saving a point balnk header from Terence Scerri from five metres. Minutes later it was Chukunyere who tried his luck with a cross from the left.

The match dragged on with Hibs in full command of the midfield sector but goalmouth actions were very scarce. With three minutes to go Hibernians were very unlucky when a beautiful first timer from an acute angle by Andrew Cohen beat Agius but the ball hit the base of the upright.

In the dying minutes, Terence Scerri confirmed his rather lean period when he missed a good opportunity following a perfect pass from David Camilleri. The last chance of the first half came to Clayton Failla who side-footed well off target from an ideal position.

Robert Gatt introduced Nkwankwo for Failla at the start of the second half, and the substitute missed the first chance when he failed to connect in front of goal following a good pass from Terence Scerri. Nwankwo stole the show in the opening minutes and on 51 minutes missed the base of the upright with a half volley.

Hibs were caught napping at the back in the 56th minute with Glenn Barry all alone in front of goal lobbing over Mario Muscat but Aaron Xuereb cleared off the fatal line. Hibernians continued to find it hard to penetrate until Andre Cohen once again came to the Paolites rescue when he shot home from the edge area, completely beating Simon Agius.

Paul Camilleri tried to emulate Cohen on the other end but his central shot was blocked by Muscat.

On 71 minutes Chukunyere did all by himself but wasted the golden opportunity when he should have crossed in the middle. Hibs finished the match on the attack with Lija unable to hit back, and at the end Hibs grabbed the three points that mattered.