Hibernians 5
Tarxien R. 0
Hibernians: M. Jovicic (R.Briffa 86'), N. Radojevic, M. Barbosa Da Silveira (D.Xuereb 80'), J. Mbong, M. Dias, J.Grech (T. Tabone Desira 80') B. Kristensen, T. Marcolino, M. Sahanek, A. Agius, T. Fonseca
Tarxien R.: A. Cassar (D. Bugeja 54') , J. Gill, D. Zerafa, M. Paolucci, G. Aquilina, L. Grech, S. Arab, D.Mambouana (M. Botta 50'), A. De Barros, R. Faria, A. Nilsson
Referee: Stefan Pace
Asst refs: Edward Spiteri, Roberto Vella
4th official: Malcolm Spiteri
Yellow cards: De Barros, Barbosa
Scorers: Agius 2', Kristensen 45' Taylon 71', 78', Fonesca 80'
Player of the match: Taylon Marcolino (Hibernians)
TMI Top 3: 1. T. Marcolino 2. B. Kristensen 3. T. Fonseca
Attendance: 849
Hibernians registered a large margin win when they defeated neighbours Tarxien Rainbows thus keeping the two point gap over second placed Valletta. It was a one sided affair with Hibernians scoring on either side of the first half and cruising through with great ease in the second period.
The Paolites could not afford a result other than a win in order to retain sole leadership. They went into this match coming from three consecutive wins after defeating Floriana, Gzira and St. Andrews.
On the other hand Tarxien have lost their last three matches and are now entangled in the fight against relegation .
Hibernians had Isaac Ntow and Dunstan Vella and Tarxien Matthew Spiteri missing through suspension. Hibernians had defeated Tarxien 4-2 in the first round.
Instead of Dunstan Vella , Dias filled on his behalf. And on the other side of the pitch Sanderra opted to start Marco Sahanek instead of the injured Jurgen Degabriele.
Hibernians forged ahead early on when Taylon Marcolino sent an overhead kick inside the area which unsettled the Rainbows rearguard with central defender Andrei Agius heading past Cassar. A goal which also confirmed the unity in the Paolites squad with the player parading a white vest with the words ' Get well soon Jurgen' aimed at their striker's recovery after damaging his ligaments in their last match.
Hibernians were dominating the match with Tarxien failing to recover. In fact a few minutes later a looping shot by Dias was pushed over the bar by Cassar. And on the stroke of half time Hibernians doubled their lead. It was a wonderful strike by Bjorn Kristensen which hit the back of the net with goalkeeper Cassar beaten.
At the beginning of the second half Tarxien were dealt a double blow. They lost defender Mambouana and goalkeeper Cassar both through injuries. And the Paolites were now in total control causing mayhem when they ventured forward.
They increased their lead in the 71st minute when Taylon Marcolino had the easiest of chances following a mix up between substitute goalkeeper Bugeja and Zerafa.
Seven minutes later Hibernians found once again the net when Sahanak sent a perfect pass towards the unmarked Brazilian striker and for the second time in this match Marcolino was on the mark.
Hiberians made it five in the 80th minute when this time Taylon turned to provider finding Tiago Fonseca who hammered home. Mission accomplished by Hibernians who retained the two point lead over Valletta with seven matches to go.
Sanderra's boys have reached their peak and if they keep up the momentum come end of May they can be crowned Champions. But the Championship battle is far from over with Valletta keeping up the pressure on the league leaders.