Hibernians crushed Valletta’s feebly resistance yesterday to keep up the challenge with league leaders Hamrun Spartans who in the evening match beat Gudja United to retain top spot.

Hibernians were the better team against a struggling Valletta sidewho are now nearing dangerously the relegation zone.

It must be said that Valletta were handicapped by the sending off of midfielder Shaun Dimech after only eleven minutes, with Dimech rightly sent off for a nasty tackle on Jurgen degabriele.

No doubt that this incident was the turning point of the match, with Valletta unable to keep the pace with their opponents especially after the Paolites regained the lead early in the second half.

Valletta somehow managed to keep the game in the balance in the first half, even managing to level matters, thus scoring after several matches with a blank sheet.

After only five minuites Hibernians took the lead when Jurgen Degabriele pounced on a Valletta defensive blunder to advance unhindered and beat the helpless Bonello.

Valletta appeared in difficulty especially at the back and minutes later Bonello made a great save denying Gilmar.

On eleven minutes Valletta were down to ten players when Shaun Dimech’s extended foot could have severely injured Degabriele. Referee De Gabriele had no other option but to show a straight red to the Valletta youngster.

All seemed lost for the Citizens, but on 22 minutes Valletta drew level when Ryan Fenech scored direct from a corner kick.

This goal lifted Valletta’s hopes as they shared the exchanges for the rest of the first half, even having a Fontanella effort going over the bar.

Five minutes into the second half Hibernians were back in front with a well executed move that split the Valletta defence apart.

Kristensen passed towards Gilmar on the left flank, with the latter apssing towards the unmarked Dunstan Vella who from sclose range tapped the ball home.

This was the end of Valletta’s hopes of gaining something from this match as Hibernians grew in confidence and were now all over their opponents.

On 58 minutes Fonseca passed towards Gilmar who shot slightly over the bar. Two minutes later Henry Bonello saved his side brilliantly blocking a Dunstan Vella drive.

On 69 minutes Hibernians put the issue beyong doubt with a splendid goal scored by Gilmar from an acute angle.

Twelve minutes from time Hibernians gave the finishing touch to the Lillywhites who were now at the mercy of their opponents.

Dos Anjos passed towards Gilmar who lobbed the ball over the onrushing Henry Bonello and then headed home in an empty net for a great goal to crown a great personal performance.

Photo Domenic Aquilina