Sliema W 1

Hibernians 3

Hibernians were back in the groove after last week’s upset against leaders Valletta, although the final score flatters them. In fact the Paolites took quite some time to overcome the psychological scars that such a defeat must have left upon them and their performance yesterday was far from convincing. They only recovered from an early deficit to score three times in an improved second half that belonged completely to them.

Hibernians revelled in the task of exposing the frailties of lamentable opponents. So many aspects of Sliema Wanderers’ display were too familiar. Their inexplicable inability to hold on to their lead, with an unbalanced defence and an unimaginable midfield and a toothless attack, where Eyanga was only a peripheral figure were again too evident. The Wanderers now remain winless in six consecutive league matches.

Both teams made changes, following defeats in the previous matches. Hibernians had Jackson Lima back, with Marcelo Dias making way, and gave a start to Ryan Camilleri ahead of Aaron Xuereb in defence, with Vandelannoite partnering Soares as centre backs.

Sliema had Josef Mifsud suspended and named Galabov, Cilia and Gatt Baldacchino among the substitutes. Galabov went in towards the hour but was forced to leave the pitch again less than two minutes later when he aggravated his injury with his first touch of the ball and was replaced by Clifford Gatt Baldacchino.

The Wanderers were buoyed by an early lead, as Hibernians conceded once more from a set piece. With hardly three minutes on the clock, a Lattes corner from the left fell to Steve Bezzina, who volleyed past keeper Muscat, the ball hitting the underside of the bar.

Sliema kept the iniative, with Mitev going down the right flank. His cross was met by Lattes who was blocked inside the area.

Hibernians took time to settle into the matc. They were nervy, uncertain and disjointed and left huge gaps in midfield. They only troubled the Sliema rearguard midway through the half when a Camilleri shot clipped the upright. And in the half’s added time, Pearson’s pile driver from outside the area, was smartly turned into a corner by keeper Bonello.

The Sliema keeper was rendered helpless two minutes into the second half as Hibernians drew level. A Failla free kick from the right was headed towards goal by Cohen, Bonello failed to grasp the ball and Jason Vandelannoite knocked the ball over the line from close range.

Another Failla free kick was only parried by the Sliema keeper but recovered well as Lima was about to connect.

Hibernians were on the ascendancy and on 58 minutes they forged ahead. Luis Edison anticipated the sortie of keeper Bonello on Failla’s sailing cross to head into an unattended goal. This was the Brazilian’s first goal for Hibernians in a month.

Sliema were rattled and unable to make a reaction as they were completely outplayed by their opponents. On 68 minutes Luis Edison fluffed a good chance, lofting the ball on Failla’s cross.

On 78 minutes, Hibernians put the issue beyond doubt. Edward Herrera picked up Edison’s pass from the left, cut through the middle and unleashed a swerving shot that beat keeper Bonello for the the third time.

Sliema, who had long been resigned to their fate, knew that their time was up and could only test keeper Muscat with a low Mitev drive, on Cilia’s pass, in added time.

Sliema W H. Bonello, A. Muscat, R. Fenech, N. Bogdanovic, R. Grech, M. Scerri (T. Cilia), . Eyanga, D. Mitev, S. Bezzina, E. Lattes (R. Galabov), C. Gatt Baldacchino), B. Muscat

Coach D. Doncic

Hibernians M. Muscat, J. Pearson, J. Vandelannoite, R. Soares, R. Camilleri, B. Kristensen, A. Cohen, E. Herrera (S. Pisani), C. Failla, J. Lima, L. Edison (M. Dias)

Coach M. Miller

Referee C. Pisani

Asst.refs W. Debattista, T. Debono

4th official M. Apap

Scorers S. Bezzina 2, J. Vandelannoite 47, L. Edison 58, E. Herrera 78

Yellow cards M. Scerri, B. Kristensen, A. Muscat, R. Grech, N. Bogdanovic, D. Mitev

Player of the match Clayton Failla (Hibernians)

TMI top 3 1. C. Failla 2. J. Vandellanoite 3. A. Muscat

Attendance 1,227