Hibernians’ defeat yesterday confirmed how much Maltese club football lags behind in European competitions.

All four Maltese teams taking part in Euro competitions suffered home defeats this season, not to mention the number of goals conceded over the two legs.

Hibernians at least can draw some consolation from the fact that they suffered only two goals at Ta’ Qali yesterday.

Lacking the flair and mobility of Udo Nwoko, who has sought better pastures in Portugal, Hibernians knew they faced a mammoth task. Emphasis in their starting line-up was on defence, with Xuereb and Mintoff as central defenders. Cassar returned on the right after suspension and Pulis played as left back.

Vojvodina had an easy stroll at Ta’ Qali. They did not demonstrate much class but enough combative spirit to win also away. Bolstered by a 5-1 win in the first leg, the Serbian side showed no urgency and for most of the first 20 minutes, their players played the ball between themselves in neat triangles.

Hibernians, who should have taken the early initiative, but looked too frail to harass their more robust opponents, remained mostly bystanders.

Midway through the half, Vojvodina started to look menacing, courtesy of two meaty free-kicks from their midfielder Popovic.

On both occasions, keeper Muscat, although severely tested, was equal to task. As he tipped Popovic’s second effort over the bar for a corner on the half hour, Hibernians wilted under pressure to concede a very sloppy goal, shot in by Dusan Tadic after a short defensive clearance, the ball taking a slight deflection off another player.

Vojvodina missed a better chance soon afterwards. Lerinc’s cross from the left beat the entire Hibernians back line but Despotovic lofted the ball in front of a gaping goal.

Hibernians were again lucky shortly before the break as defender Stosic made a powerful run inside the area, but his shot clipped the crossbar with Muscat totally out of sorts.

The Paolites’ woes increased in the second half as Doffo was dismissed for persistent fouling after only five minutes.

Vojvodina tried to hold on to possession as Hibernians retreated deeper and were forced to chase their opponents.

On 63 minutes Mintoff was caught between two opponents at the back. Lerinc laid the ball towards Despotonovic who beat Muscat with a low drive. Vella substituted Alcorse after that to limit the danger as Vojvodina remained the more dangerous.

Muscat held out efforts by Lerinc and Buac. Despotovic shot wide in front of goal in the late stages as

Vojvodina failed to increase their winning margin.

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Hibernians: M. Muscat, K. Cassar (T. Fleri Soler), A. Pulis, A. Xuereb, C. Failla, P. Doffo, E. Agius, J. Alcorse (J. Vella), T. Scerri, A. Cohen, R. Mintoff

FK Vojvodina: D. Kahriman (Z. Brkic), M. Stosic (M. Milutinovic), I. Juric, D. Sarac, G. Kacar, A. Popovic, L. Lerinc, V. Buac (G.Smigahic), D. Tadic, R. Despotovic.

Referee: S. Lee Evans (Wales)

Yellow cards: A. Pulis, E. Agius, C. Failla, p. Doffo, A. Popovic, D. Tadic

Red cards: P. Doffo

Scorers: D. Tadic,R. Despotovic