Hibernians finished the regular season with a bang, crushing leaders Floriana 4-1 with a majestic performance to finish on top of the standings with a two-point cushion over the same Floriana.
Before yesterday’s match the Greens were almost tha favourites having done so well in the second round, managing to bounce over a stuttering Hibernians side. But yesterday’s performance leaves no doubt that the Paolites are now the clear favourites to win the title with five matches remaining.
Floriana surely lost the battle but not the war, but yesterday’s display by Sanderra’s team will surely be a hard blow for the Greens to absorb. Luckily for Atzori’s team tehre is now a three-week break and there will be ample time for the Greens to recover and give the final push for the title.
Hibernians were in a class of their own yesterday with Jurgen Degabriele, Jake Grech and especially Aldama a span above the rest. They created havoc on the right flank were Floriana’s Cassar and Camenzuli had a nightmare trying to control their surging runs down the flank.
Dunstan Vella aided by Diakite played another blinder in midfield with Andrei Agius leading the defence for a five star performance. For the Greens a dismal display with no player above the average line. Floriana were tactically and technically outclassed.
Hibernians built a three-goal lead by the end of the first half with Jurgen Degabriele putting the Paolites in front on 16 minutes when put through by Jake Grech. On 23 minutes Jake Grech again darted on the right flank before crossing towards Dunstan Vella who squeezed the ball home.
Four minutes later Aldama, again from the right beat the offside trap and the goalkeeper with his shot hitting the base of the upright and Degabriele was on hand to hit home the rebound.
The music did not change much on the resumption with Jake Grech scoring the fourth goal on 57 minutes following a Diakite shot. Deep in stoppage time some consolation for the Greens with Rutjens heading home from close range and with the same Rutjens hitting the crossbar with another header.
Photo Domenic Aquilina
