Boosted by the return of Andrew Cohen after a long lay off, Hibernians yesterday helped themselves to their second consecutive win against a spirited Marsa side, who were only undone in the last 20 minutes, hit by two goals in quick succession, which flickered any hope of a point.

Until then, Marsa were sharing the spoils with their opponents in a one-all draw, despite the gulf in the sides' individual class. That finally had a telling effect in the Paolites' favour.

Cohen's inclusion, with the captain's arm band, meant that Caruana was dropped to the bench, with Pulis and Vella again named as substitutes.

Essien Mbong was playing against his former mates, now taking charge of Marsa's midfield.

The first half panned out into a contest between Hibernians' passing game and Marsa's more robust approach based on long balls aimed at Ewurun, deployed as a sole striker in the absence of Martin.

But Andrew Scerri's presence in the Marsa attack, made the Hibernians' rearguard look much unsettled. In fact Marsa could have scored their first Premier League goal in the first half but some erratic finishing let them down. Fasinelli shot horrendously over after taking possession of Kevin Scerri's cross in open space and Vassallo shot over after picking up a Hibernians' short clearance from outside the area. Midway through the half, Andrew Scerri's glancing header on a Fasinelli cross was off target.

Indeed Marsa had the brighter start but Hibernians' better work rate and application were noticeable.

Hibs’ first real threat came after 23 minutes when Cohen hit the foot of the post with a low drive on Scerri's pass, following a Marsa erratic clearance.

Then Nwoko played a deft one-two with Scerri but shot narrowly off target.

The goal that separated the two sides by half-time came past the half hour. Chukunyere's intelligent through ball put Terence Scerri clear to place the ball beyond keeper Casha's reach.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Premier League newcomers drew level. Muscat palmed out Vella's header on a Fasinelli corner kick from the left, for Anthony Ewurun to shoot in the loose ball from close range.

Hibernians looked shell shocked but still regrouped their efforts, probing for a winner.

Nwoko ran in for Chukunyere's pass but Casha was good, repelling his effort into a corner.

As Marsa enjoyed their fair share of possession, looking equally as good as their opponents, the Paolites struck with two goals in quick succession within the last quarter hour.

On 73 minutes Udo Nwoko started and finished the move that led to his side's second goal. He pounced on Chircop's slip outside the Hibernians area and surged upfield before shooting coolly past the keeper.

Two minutes later, Ndubisi Chukunyere headed in Cohen's corner kick to seal the issue as Marsa collapsed, and were unable to put up any reaction despite both sides' use of all their substitutes.

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Marsa: I. Casha, E. Yanchev, D. Vella (J. Casha), G. Bencini (K. Cassar), N. Fasinelli, E. Mbong, A. Scerri, A. Ewurun, V. Bellia, A. Vassallo (W. Chircop), K. Scerri

Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar,R. Briffa, A. Xuereb, P. Doffo, E. Agius (B. Camilleri), U. Nwoko, N. Chukunyere, T. Scerri (T. Caruana), A. Cohen, C. Failla (A. Pulis)

Referee: S. Tanti. Asst. refs: K. Borg, E. Spiteri 4th official: P. Caruana

Scorers: T. Scerri, A. Ewurun, U. Nwoko, N. Chukunyere

Yellow cards: C. Failla, A. Vassallo, K. Cassar, E. Agius, N. Fasinelli, E. Mbong, K. Scerri

Player of the match: Ndubisi Chukunyere (Hibernians)

TMI top three: 1. R. Briffa 2. N. Chukunyere 3. U. Nwoko