Marsaxlokk: J. Haber, S. Wellman, L. Dimech, M. Licari, C. Magro, J. Pace, K. Sammut (P. Pullicino), H. Doda (A. Schembri), D. Bogdanovic (K. Mamo), G. Sciberras, U. Nwoko

Hibernians: M. Muscat, A. Xuereb, J. Caruana, K. Cassar (T. Fleri Soler), J. Vella, M. Bartolo, T. Caruana (E. Agius), C. Failla, P. Doffo, N. Chukunyere, A. Da Silva (L. Desira Buttigieg).

Referee: P. Caruana Asst. refs: P. Agius, K. Borg 4th official: A.M. Sant

Scorers: D. Bogdanovic (2), P. Doffo (pen), A. Schembri

Yellow cards: U. Nwoko, N. Chukunyere, S. Wellman, J. Pace, C. Failla

Player of the match: Udo Nwoko (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. U. Nwoko, 2. Da Silva, 3. D. Bogdanovic

League leaders Marsaxlokk beat Hibernians in a tense match, to re-establish their six-point lead over Valletta and Sliema Wanderers.

Without setting any houses on fire, Marsaxlokk were still the better side and deserved the three points earned. For the leaders, ex-Hibernians player Udo Nwoko played a great match and was a delight to watch with his dazzling dribbling.

League top scorer Daniel Bogdanovic confirmed he is lethal in front of goal scoring two goals, the second one a real beauty, following another Nwoko initiative.

Kevin Sammut had a very high work rate whilst Jamie Pace was rather disappointing and should have been sent off for hitting an opponent.

Hibernians gave their best with Da Silva playing a blinder in midfield, together with Argentinian Pablo Doffo. However Hibernians without Terence Scerri and Andrew Cohen lacked punch up front and had no one to finish some of their good moves created.

Both teams had some regular players missing. Hibernians were without Terence Scerri who started serving his eight-month ban, Andrew Cohen and Adrian Pulis. On their part the league leaders were without Cleaven Frendo and Carlo Mamo.

Marsaxlokk should have easily opened the score on ten minutes when Stephen Wellman powered his way inside the area and crossed to Daniel Bogdanovic whose shot three meters was somehow saved by Mario Muscat. The same Muscat saved a central shot by Doda minutes later.

On 22 minutes Marsaxlokk took the lead when Nwoko switched to the right flank and gave an inviting ball to Bogdanovic who made no mistake with a good shot on the turn from a couple of metres.

The match was now bubbling with life with Hibernians going near with a good Jonathan Caruana effort. Nwoko was again efficient passing to Bogdanovic who was denied by a brilliant Muscat.

On the half hour Hibernians had a good scoring opportunity with Matthew Bartolo completely unmarked on the right, but his effort was saved by Haber.

Ten minutes from time tempers flared Jamie Pace elbowed Pablo Doffo, but the referee only cautioned the Marsaxlokk player, when a red card would have been more appropriate.

Hibernians however were rewarded just on 45 minutes when Chukunyere was floored in a chaotic action in front of Justin Haber, and from the resultant penalty Doffo scored his third goal of the season.

The second half had barely started that Marsaxlokk were back in the lead when from a typical Nwoko run Daniel Bogdanovic rose above the rest to head beautifully home.

Hibs were not let down by this setback and Da Silva hit the side netting giving the Marsaxlokk supporters the freight of their lives.

On 67 minutes the Hibs' defence was caught napping and Bogdanovic ran unmarked but was denied of his hat trick by a splendid Mario Muscat save. Muscat was again called in action saving a long range effort from Kevin Sammut.

The match continued to keep those present on edge with both sides searching to score further goals. Ten minutes from time a Da Silva overhead kick went slightly wide, and on the other end Bogdanovic shot well over the bar from an acute angle following another good Nwoko move.

On the 90 th minute Marsaxlokk sealed the issue with the third goal when from a Licari cross, substitute and ex-player Andre Schembri headed home from close range to the delight and relief of the Southseasiders’ supporters.