Hibernians showed no mercy yesterday trashing Lija 8-1 in a one sided affair.

No doubt about who deserved to win this contest, but Lija did put up a fight in the first half, and even had a good patch after conceeding the second goal, pulling one back and going close to the equaliser when they hit the crossbar.

But that was it. For the rest Hibernians were in a class of their own with Lija throwing in the towel in the second half with Hibernians scoring at will and with relative ease as Lija had abandoned their guard.

On fourteen minutes the first sign of what was to come when Jake Grech hit the post.

Five minutes later a great move on the left with Kristensen passing towards Texiera who slotted home from close range.

Three minutes Lija defender Leon Muscat incredibly punched the ball inside the penalty area and Jake Grech made no mistake from the penalty spot.

But sixty seconds later Lija were back in business whn Brandan Fernades first timed home a McLaren cross.

On 27 minutes Lija were unlucky when Darmanin passed to Brandan whose shot was deflected by Calleja Cremona with the ball finishing against the crossbar.

On 36 minutes Hibernians reestablished their two-goal lead when a Kristensen shot was deflected by White into his own net.

No contest after the break. On 51 minutes Degabriele towards Texeira who crossed towards Shodija on the far post and the striker made no mistake. Two minutes later an Izquier cross from the left and Shodiya headed easily home.

On 68 minutes the sixth goal with another great move. Agius towards Attard who crossed towards Winchester who could not miss from two meters.

Three minutes later again Winchester on the mark, winning the ball in midfield and with the Lija defence at a standstill, he dribbled past the goalkeeper and slotted home.

The eighth and final goal just before the final whistle, with Connor Zammit passing towards Jake Grech who fired a beauty from the edge of the area for yet another great goal.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina