Hibernians-Marsaxlokk 3-1

Winning three cups on the trot is not a bad haul these days. Hibernians have added the Super Cup to the U*Bet FA Trophy and Euro Challenge Cup, after deservingly beating champions Marsaxlokk 3-1 yesterday in a low key final watched by a few scores of spectators at Ta’ Qali.

After taking a two-goal lead within the first ten minutes, there was never any doubt about the final outcome as Marsaxlokk failed to put up a decent challenge.

Some weeks ago, both teams played an entertaining three-all draw in the Euro Challege Cup. Although Hibernians did not change their team much, except for the inclusion of Argentine forward Alcorse and Cohen instead of Briffa and Nwoko, Marsaxlokk made some needed fine-tuning. Bereft of the unfit regulars Mamo and Licari, the champions included their three newcomers – Conceicao and Camenzuli in defence, as well as midfielder Da Silva, who although he was on their books last season, he did not feature in their championship campaign and spent the second part of the season on loan with Hibernians. Striker Webb has since left.

Hibernians could not have made a better start as they promptly established hegemony in midfield where Cohen was imperious when the mood took him while Failla, Agius and Doffo covered good ground.

The Paoilites took a two-goal lead within the first ten minutes, both goals from set pieces as Marsaxlokk conceded too many fouls.

The first, on eight minutes came through a Cohen free-kick from the left, well controlled by Julio Alcorse inside the area, beating keeper Gauci with a half volley on the turn at the far post.

Hardly two minutes later, Andrew Cohen himself beat Gauci again with an exquisite direct free-kick from a central position just outside the Marsaxlokk penalty area.

The champions needed to react fast but although they started to move the ball fluently, they looked blunt up front.

Pace’s tame header from a Frendo corner was easy prey for keeper Muscat and when a Camenzuli free-kick created an opening in the Hibernians defence, Wellman, playing in an attacking role, skied the ball.

Towards the half hour, Wellman went close again, connecting well on Pace’s low cross from the right, but Muscat stretched himself and saved into a corner.

As the half wore on, Hibernians looked the more likely to score, as they funnelled a couple of dangerous breaks. On one occasion, Scerri raced towards goal albeit challenged by Conceicao, but Gauci was good to block his shot and then save the loose ball. And when Cohen turned well off his marker from the byeline, Gauci repelled his shot to keep his side in the match at halftime.

Marsaxlokk tried to push more forward after the restart but they remained toothless in attack and their play was utterly devoid of penetration. Hibernians continued to defend their lead with minimal difficulty, bursting forward in flashes and often causing anxious moments to the Marsaxlokk rearguard.

On 65 minutes, Doffo threaded his way past two opponents, but his low drive was blocked by the grounded keeper Debono, who replaced Gauci for the second half.

But on 80 minutes Edmond Agius completed his good individual performance by making it 3-0 with a splendid goal, as he hit Alcorse’s low cross at the top corner, beyond Debono’s reach from outside the penalty area.

With the issue well settled, Marsaxlokk scored a consolation goal with three minutes remaining, courtesy of a Stephen Wellman strike that served little purpose.

Marsaxlokk coach Talbot must now hope they rediscover their scoring touch quickly or tougher times surely lie ahead of their championship defence.

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

Marsaxlokk: R. Gauci (R.Debono), S. Tellus, W. Camenzuli, R. Conceicao (G. Mizzi), C. Magro, S. Wellman, K. Sammut, J. Pace, A. Da Silva, C. Frendo, P. Pullicino

Referee: A. Zammit, Ass. Referees: P. Agius, A. Camilleri, 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: J. Alcorse, A. Cohen, E.Agius, S. Wellamn

Yellow cards: R. Conceicao, C. Magro, K.Cassar, J. Pace, R. Mintoff