Hibernians 4
Tarxien R. 1
Hibermians : M. Jovicic, T.Tabone Desira, F. Apap, J. Mbong, J. Grech, T. Groothusen (A.Attard 78'), D. Vella, C. Atsina ( M.Beerman 64'), G. Izqueir, A. Agius, L. Nanni (M.Barbosa 74')
Tarxien R. : R. Briffa, M. Botta, T. Veronese, P. Mambouana, M. Gomez, A. Andrejic, S. Shaba (B.Muscat 82') , M. Tabone, D. Zerafa (M.Ciantar 78'), A. Tenorio, B. Farrugia ( M. Spiteri 64')
Referee: Philip Farrugia
Asst refs: Darko Stankovic, Thomas Debono
4th official: Alex Johnson
Yellow Cards: Mambouana, Spiteri
Scorers: A. Andrejic 13',L.Nanni 24', 50', T. Groothusen 41' , J. Mbong 74'
BOV Player of the Match: Jake Grech (Hibernians)
Hibernians ran easy winners against a disappointing Tarxien Rainbows though they were the first to concede. But after drawing level they never looked back and won comfortably against neighbours Tarxien, inflicting on them another heavy defeat.
This was a convincing performance by Hibernians with Grech and Nanni doing all the running and causing havoc all throughout. Both played a blinder with Grech being chosen as the BOV Player of the match.
One change for Hibernians from their last match with Izquier starting instead of Kristensen. Making the debutt for Tarxien Rainbows were Farrugia and Tenorio.
The Paolites went out to claim the maximum points after failing to get them against newly-promoted Gudja United in a 1-1 draw last Saturday.
On the other hand, Tarxien Rainbows went into this match after losing heavily to Mosta in their first outing.
The first minutes were balanced with Tarxien taking the lead on 13 minutes when Tenorio found space on the right flank with his cross being met by Andrejic who placed the ball in the net.
The Paolites reaction was immediate and just three minutes later Jake Grech saw his shot blocked by Briffa. And in the 21st minute Hibernians were denied by the woodwork when Grech's curling shot was stopped by the upright.
But the Paolites drew level on 24 minutes with a well taken shot by Nanni who found the top corner of the net.
And four minutes from the break Grech set Groothusen with the latter's headed effort finding the back of the net.
The second half was played on the same pattern of the first forty five minutes with Nanni being once again unlucky when he hit the bar on 48 minutes. But two minutes later he found the net for the second time when he chipped Grech's pass over Briffa.
This as the killer blow for the Rainbows who tried to venture forward but to no avail. In fact it was Hibernians who sealed the issue eighteen minutes from the end when Grech pass toward Mbong with his shot getting past Briffa.
A result which was what Hibernians deserved after a commanding performance. This was also a morale booster after failing to win their first match of the campaign against newly promoted Gudja.
As for Tarxien Rainbows they have conceded eight goals in just two matches. Things don't look so good. Something has to be done in order to make the team more competitive.