Hibernians moved to the top of the BOV Premier League after beating basement side Senglea in the first match played at the Hibs Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Paolites were coming from a last-gasp win against Balzan by a 2-1 scoreline. This win over the Cottonera outfit was the fourth out of their last five matches.
On the other hand Senglea succumbed to their twelfth defeat of the campaign and are still in search of their first win.
Though grabbing the maximum points Hibernians were not at their usual best though in the second forty five minutes they improved and dominated the proceedings.
Before kick off international defender Andrei Agius was given a memento by Hibernians for reaching the 200th game with the Paolites.
Hibernians went near midway through the first half when a Shola Shodiya shot was partially blocked by Farrugia but Degabriele failed to capitalize.
Senglea responded two minutes later with a long range shot by Wilkerson Gomez but Matthew Calleja Cremona was on the alert to save. And on 28 minutes off a Jan Tanti free kick a headed effort by Gomez ended wide.
This was a good patch for the Cottonera boys who tested once again the Hibernians goalkeeper just past the half hour through a shot by Junior Dibola.
But it was Hibernians who drew first blood three minutes from the break. Kristensen was quick to pass towards Jurgen Degabriele and the nippy striker after seeing his first attempt saved by Farrugia lobbed over the Senglea goalkeeper from the rebound.
Hibernians started the second half on the offensive and only three minutes had passed when they doubled their lead. Jake Grech made his way into the opposing area and rifled a shot into the corner of the net.
The Paolites were now in cruise control and in the 66th minute an Ayrton Attard cross found Jurgen Degabriele only for the latter to head wide off the mark.
Eighteen minutes from the end Hibernians put the issued beyond doubt. It was once again Jurgen Degabriele who after receiving a good pass dummied Farrugia and slotted home of his second personal goal and Hibernians third.
This was the ninth win for Hibernians who have taken the leadership though having played a match more than Hamrun. The Spartans are just one point away and play on Sunday against high flying and the team of the moment Mosta.
Photos: James Galea
