Revitalised Valletta repeated their first round win over jaded Hibernians to move closer to the Championship Pool, come the next phase of the Premier League.

Purposeful and determined, always penetrative on the break, Valletta were good value for their win. Led by an inspirational Gilbert Agius and the opportunism of the well settled Monesterolo up front, Valletta were rewarded for their efforts to make it with the top six.

Valletta were generally on top, making the best of worrying holes in their opponents’ flimsy defence.

Injuries and suspensions deprived the citizens of Nisevic, Bondin and Dean while Camilleri was missing from the squad. Ian Zammit returned after suspension and there were also starts to youngsters Magro and Zarb, as well as Pace.

Hibernians also had their injury worries, the most notable absentees being striker Terence Scerri and David Williamson. Pulis was dropped to the bench, making way for Ryan Mintoff in defence.

But these were no excuses for their inept performance. Hibernians were looking for maximum points, having lost their previous match against Birkirkara, to catch up with the Stripes at the top and overtake second placed Sliema Wanderers. Although they battled to put their present crisis of form behind them, Hibernians had several players performing well below their best once more. They were nervy, uncertain and horribly disjointed.

Valletta looked more incisive in the initial stages as they pressed their opponents in all parts of the field, although Sullivan was the first keeper put to test as he blocked Cohen’s incursion on the ground after three minutes.

Gradually Valletta began to find rhythm of sorts. On an Agius cross from the right, Monesterolo had two efforts blocked inside the Hibernians’ area.

On the quarter hour an Agius insidious free-kick sped across the opposing penalty area. Monesterolo’s low drive whistled narrowly past the post.

And on the half hour, the Argentine striker arrived fractionally late on Agius’ seeking centre, after being put through by Zarb.

Hibernians, who were rarely in the Valletta area for the first half hour, only threatened with a Cohen meaty free-kick from the edge of the area, slightly over the bar.

Valletta struck five minutes from half-time, capitalising on a dreadful error by goalkeeper Muscat who failed to clear the ball as he rushed out of his area to stop Monesterolo who had beaten the Hibernians offside trap on a long clearance and advanced on the left flank. The Valletta striker steered the ball into an unattended goal to score his first league goal for the Citizens.

Valletta could have doubled their lead three minutes after the re-start. Monesterolo again raced unhindered towards the Hibernians goal on a Fenech through pass, but shot on Muscat’s outstretched body and the chance went begging.

Hibernians tried to push more forward although their attacks were stifled by Valletta’s watertight defence.

In fact Valletta continued to look menacing and keeper Muscat had to rush out to clear the ball before Monesterolo could connect on an Agius vertical pass.

On the hour, Hibernians’ coach Gatt played his trump card, putting in Baldacchino and the Paolites forced a series of corners but none proved effective as they lapsed to concede their second goal on 63 minutes. Sullivan kicked the ball upfield for Gilbert Agius to control well, beat his opponents’ challenge before shooting low past the helpless Muscat.

Despite Hibernians’ double substitution, Valletta remained stoutly in command and an Agius powerful free-kick was tipped over the bar by Muscat and the Hibernians custodian footed out a Monesterolo effort soon after.

Hibs had a late reaction and substitute Pulis headed Cohen’s free-kick wide while Doda skied his free-kick from the edge of the area before the Paolites salvaged some pride with an Andrew Cohen strike in added time. But that was too little too late to avoid defeat.

Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino, A. Xuereb, R. Mintoff, E. Mbong, A. Cohen, J. Vella (R. Baldacchino), C. Failla, D. Camilleri (A. Pulis), E. Agius (J. Pearson), H. Doda

Valletta: S. Sullivan, K. Cassar (M. Barbara), M. Grima, S. Pace, R. Forace, I. Zammit, K. Fenech, D. Zarb, K. Magro (A. Debono), S. Monesterolo (J. Grioli), G. Agius

Referee: J. Attard Asst.refs: I. Spiteri, K. Borg 4th official: A. Casha

Scorers: S. Monesterolo, G. Agius, A. Cohen

Yellow cards: S. Monesterolo, E. Mbong

Player of the match: M. Grima (Valletta)

TMI top three: 1. G. Agius 2. A. Cohen 3. S. Monesterolo