Hibernians scored a solitary goal from the penalty spot twenty minutes from time to gain a second consecutive win. Their opponents held firm but had to bow their heads in the final part of the match.
Hibernians went into this match against neighbours Tarxien hoping to register another win following a fine 3-1 win over champions Floriana, The Rainbows, on the other hand, collected their first point thanks to a stoppage-time goal against Gzira United after narrowly losing to Balzan in their first outing.
Stefano Sanderra opted to start with the same starting formation which played a blinder against champions Floriana leaving Andrei Agius who was missing for that match on the bench.
The first half lacked goal mouth action with both teams failing to take control of the proceedings. After just nine minutes a Kristensen free kick was blocked by goalkeeper Fernandes.
Hibernians threatened again midway through the first half when in the 23rd minute a low drive by striker Jurgen Degabriele was saved by the Rainbows custodian.
Five minutes from the end of the first half Degabriele opened wide in Jake Grech’s direction who passed towards Rundell Winchester only for the latter to send his shot just wide.
And just on the stroke of half time came Tarxien’s first chance through a Matthew Spiteri shot from outside the area which just missed the target.
On the change of ends Hibernians went in search of the killer goal and in the 54th minute a fierce shot by Ayrton Attard went inches wide.
Just past the hour went near once again with Ferdinando Apap setting Jurgen Degabriele his shot being partially saved by Fernandes with the ball hitting the upright before ending in the goalkeepers hands.
Twenty minutes from time Hibernians finally scored what proved to be the winner. Anderson Carneiro do Nascimento Carneiro handled the ball following a shot by Shola Shodiya with the match official pointing to the penalty spot. From the resultant kick Jake Grech converted.
Till the end Hibernians controlled well to take home another three points.On the other hand for Tarxien, though finishing on the receiving end, this year’s performances are much better then what we witnessed last year.
Photo Domenic Aquilina
