Hibernians were in a dominant mood when they easily disposed of Valletta by a 4-1 scoreline. It was a deserved win for the Paolites and above all another three points in the bag.

Not the same can be said of their opponents Valletta who are now in dire need of points in order to avoid playing the last part of the campaign in the Relegation Pool.  It transpired that the change in the coach to date has made no effect since Valletta have conceeded two defeats from as many matches since Danilo Doncic took over.

Hibernians forged ahead as early as the 2nd minute  when off an Aldama cross Guarnone mistimed his clearance with the ball falling in the path of Da Costa who from close range slotted the ball home.

In the 17th minute Valletta ventured forward for the first time with Pena Beltre finding Muscat who played the ball towards Fontanella but the latters shot ended wide. A minute later, on the other end, Apap supplied a cross towards Grech but his shot was saved by Guarnone.

Just off the half hour mark Hibernians doubled their lead. It was Jurgen Degabriele who dummied past Jean Borg and placed the ball in the corner past a helpless Guarnone.

Five minutes from the end of the first half Valletta threatened with Pena Beltre breaking forward with his pass being badly cleared by Apap and Dimech was on hand but was blocked on time by an alert Diakite. And on the stroke of half time Calleja Cremona saved well a Curjuric free kick.

The Citizens started the second half on the offensive and in the 50th minute Campos found Curjuric but his shot sailed over the bar.  And just a minute later they went near to reducing the deficit when the hit the post through a Fontanella header following a Curjuric free kick.

In the 58th minute Degabriele and Da Costa combined well but the formers shot was partially saved by Guarnone and finally Caruana cleared the danger.

But twenty minutes from the end Hibernians put the issue beyong doubt when they scored their third.  It was Domoraud who found Jurgen Degabriele and with only Guarnone to beat made no mistake.

Hibernians were now in criuse control though it was Valletta in the 78th minute who scored a consolation goal through Tulimieri after being set on by Curjuric.

And barely two minutes later Hibernians found the net for the fourth time when Apap’s shot was blocked by the Valletta goalkeeper but from the rebound Domoraud slotted the ball in the net.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina