A hat-trick scored by Lithuanian international striker Karolis Laukzemis gave Hibernians a comfortable win over neighbours Santa Lucia. This was a much needed win for the Paolites who were coming from a defeat against Sirens whereas Santa Lucia gained a point from their last outing against Gżira United.
The Paolites were the dominant force with Santa Lucia always on the receiving end. In fact during the entire ninety minutes the Saints didn’t even see the sight of goal.
Kevin Ante Rosero was missing for Santa Lucia and this made matters worse. To add insult to injury they also lost Rei Tachikawa early on and had Zerafa sent off in the second half.
On the other hand Stefano Sanderra welcomed back Bjorn Kristensen resting Jurgen Degabriele and Dunstan Vella. Both players were drafted in late in the game.
Hibernians went close on seven minutes when goalkeeper Christopher Farrugia cleared the danger following a corner by Izquier with Bjorn Kristensen’s effort being neutralised by the goalkeeper. In the 12th minute Shola Shodiya’s powerful shot after receiving from Teixeira was blocked by Farrugia.
Four minutes later Kristensen tested the Santa Lucia goalkeeper and few minutes later an Andrei Agius freekick was partiallu saved by Farrugia with the Saints rearguard finally clearing the danger.
Just past the half hour Laukzemis served Artiles who hit just wide. After all the early pressure Hibernians finally took the lead on 37 minutes. It was a Shodiya cross from the right side with Karolis Laukzemis slotting the ball home from close range.
A minute from the end of the first forty five minutes another chance for the Paolites when Kristensen passed towards Teirxeira with the latter finding Laukzemis missed an easy chance.
Two minutes after the break and Hibernians doubled their lead when Laukzemis hit a low drive past goalkeeper Farrugia after being set by Izquier. Santa Lucia were now doomed and things turned to the worst when Zerafa was given the marching orders following a second bookable offence.
Seventeen minutes from the end Sanderra’s boys sealed the issue with Laukzemis grabbing the hat-trick when Jake Grech delivered a perfect cross and the Lithuanian just had to tap the ball in from close range.
Photo: Domenic Aquilina
