Hibernians opened an eightpoint gap over second placed clubs Floriana, Valletta and Birkirkara after a dominant victory over Gzira. Hibernians showed all their worth yesterday with a brilliant performance after an early setback and a rather difficult start.

Hibernians were coming from their somewhat lucky escape against Floriana in their last outing, but yesterday they started the second round with a bang and a superlative performance that left the Maroons baffled.

Hibernians confirmed yesterday that they are the team to beat and the great favourites to lift the title at the end of the season. Gzira were aggressive at the start fo both halves, taking an early lead, but were then dominated by a better outfit.

On four minutes Gzira took the lead when from a Messias corner, Maxuell Maia headed beutifully home. Hibernians were in difficulty and took some time to settle down, but when they did settle down they started to dominate with Gzira retreating in their own area.

On 32 minutes Hibernians obtained a deserved equaliser when an Almada cross from the right was controlled by Dunstan Vella who passed towards Jurgen Degabriele who fired in the top corner.

Gzira again went on the offensive at the start of the second half but were punished on 57 minutes with a superb Hibernians move with Jake Grech, who was put through by Dunstan Vella, passing towards the unmarked Jurgen Degabriele who made no mistake in front of goal.

Gzira had an opportunity on the hour with De Assis denied by a Kone great save, and on 74 minutes Hibernians put the game to bed with a third goal with another impressive move with Jake Grech passing towards Jurgen Degabriele, who returned the ball on the far post to Jake Grech who fired beautifully home.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina