Hibernians’s revival after defeat on the opening day, continued yesterday with their third consecutive win over champions Birkirkara, to go top of the standings with Msida, albeit having played one game more than the Saints.

Twice falling behind, Hibernians rallied superbly to draw 2-2 by halftime and then score a second half winner. The architect of their success was without doubt Ndubisi Chukunyere, who scored two goals but created several other opportunities for himself and his mates, even hitting the post in the second half. His high work rate, together with that of Cohen and Nwoke, brought about Birkirkara’s demolision, the second so far for the champions.

Hibernians’ performance was their best so far yesterday. They were inventive throughout and had the better chances after dominating the second half.

Birkirkara’s confidence drained after the interval, especially after they conceded Hibernians’ third goal and the initiative.

An eventful first half saw the teams share four goals as play was flowing and entertaining to watch. Birkirkara twice went in the lead, only for their opponents to restore equilibrium within a short span. All goals were scored from dead ball situations, catching the respective defences on the hop in such instances.

Hardly three minutes on the clock, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza headed in Sbai’s corner kick from the right to put Birkirkara in front.

Hibernians managed to dust off the early setback though and threatened on 11 minutes when Chukunyere played an enticing low ball towards Chen whose grounder narrowly missed the target.

After Scerri wasted another similar opportunity, Hibernians drew level on the quarter hour. Central defender Aaron Xuereb turned attacker to head in Cohen’s curling free-kick from the left, despite the Birkirkara defenders’ challenge.

But three minutes later Hatim Sbai beat keeper Muscat directly from a corner kick on the right to restore Birkirkara’s lead.

But Hibernians still appeared at that stage to have the edge in power and confidence despite Birkirkara’s good tactical imposition on the field.

Midway through the half the champions conceded the second goal, yet again from a set piece.

When Hibernians were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area on the right, Cohen intelligently played it towards the other end for Doffo to flick the ball towards the unmarked Ndubisi Chukunyere who beat keeper Bledzewski with a diagonal shot which neither a defender’s sliding block could prevent crossing the line.

Towards the half hour, the inspired Chukunyere made his way past two opponents but his final shot was blocked by the keeper.

And on 35 minutes Hibernians had justified claims for a penalty turned down as Chukunyere was pushed inside the area at the point of shooting towards goal.

For most of the second half, Hibernians looked superior in possession as their sharp passing game had their opponents in a tizzy.

A Cohen poisonous free-kick was repelled by Bledzewski on 50 minutes.

On the hour, Ndubisi Chukunyere and Cohen combined to telling effect, the latter providing a sailing cross for the Nigerian striker to head his side into the lead for the first time in the match.

The goal injected pace and enthusiasm in the Hibernians’ side. Chukunyere chased Failla’s long ball, beat an opponent inside the area and drilled a left-foot shot, hitting the underside of the bar and rebounding out.

Hibernians’ incessant pressure nearly landed Birkirkara in more trouble. Xuereb went inside the Stripes’ area with alarming ease. The keeper rushed out to block into a corner, taken by Cohen with Xuereb’s firm header going inches wide.

It was time for Birkirkara to put in Barbara for a disappointing Paradiso but Hibernians were not to be denied of a deserving win as Birkirkara remained etchy and devoid of self belief, succumbing to their second defeat in four matches.

* * * *

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

Birkirkara: A. Bledzewski, M. A. Bonnici, L. Galea (G. Gallovic), R. Sammut, W. Camenzuli, M. Calascione, J.P. Mifsud Triganza, H. Sbai (P. Borg), K. Scicluna, A. Paradiso (E. Barbara), G. Mallia

Referee: A. Azzopardi, Ass. referees: K. Borg, J. Camilleri 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: J. P. Mifsud Triganza, A. Xuereb, H. Sbai, N. Chukunyere (2)

Yellow cards: M.A. Bonnici, P. Doffo, U. Nwoko, K. Scicluna, A. Paradiso, W.Camenzuli, M. Muscat

Player of the match: Ndubisi Chukunyere (Hibernians)

TMI best three: 1. N. Chukunyere 2. A. Cohen 3. A. Xuereb