BOV Premier League | Hibernians 1 – Tarxien Rainbows 0

Hibernians inflicted Jesmond Zerafa’s first defeat as Tarxien coach after registering a 1-0 win over their neighbours.

Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians) and Emerson Marcellina (Tarxien) in action. Photo: Dominic Borg
Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians) and Emerson Marcellina (Tarxien) in action. Photo: Dominic Borg

Hibs started well and created the first opportunity after just one minute. Johann Bezzina hit a low shot from distance that went slightly wide of the post.

Tarxien responded on the 20th minute. Alex Da Paixao Alves sent a shot from outside the penalty area which Hogg only managed to block. Alex Nilsson went rushing to take the rebound, but the Hibs defence cleared their lines before the Swedish player could conclude.

On the 37th minute, the Rainbows had another good opportunity on goal. From a free kick, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia fired a strong shot that ended up just over.

One minute from half time, the Paolites could have done much more in front of goal. Montell Moore served Mamadou Jallow and the latter decided to shoot from distance instead of insisting in attack as his shot went wide.

Tarxien started the second half on the attack and were denied by Hogg on the 48th minute. Nilsson went through on the left side of the penalty area and hit a shot which was well blocked by the Hibs goalkeeper.

Hibs replied on the 55th minute. From a free kick, Jackson Lima saw his shot going slightly wide of the post.

On the 65th minute, Mark Miller’s side were close again through Moore. The Hibs forward received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and sent a shot that missed the target.

Three minutes later, Hibs went ahead. Substitute player Gilmar Da Silva Ribeiro took charge of a free kick and sent a strong shot inside the net past Philip Schranz.

Hibs nearly doubled the score on the 71st minute. Following a corner, Lima sent a cross into the direction of Rodolfo Soares whose effort hit the post.

Desperate to take something from the match, Tarxien pushed forward and had an opportunity to score the equalising goal. Da Paixao Alves went on the right flank before sending a low shot that was parried by Hogg. Possession fell for Nilsson who sent a shot that went off target.

One minute from time, it was Clayton Failla of Hibs who had a good chance for his side. The Hibernians captain received the ball from Gilmar and fired a strong shot that went slightly over.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Rodolfo Soares, Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Jackson Lima, Bjorn Kristensen, Johann Bezzina, Jurgen Degabriele, Montell Moore, Marcelo Dias, Jallow Momodou.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Philip Schranz, Ebiabowei Baker, Emerson Marcellina, Triston Caruana, Daniel Ponce De Leon Garcia, Alex Nilsson, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Daniel Zerafa, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Matthew Tabone, Kurt Zammit.

Referee: Mario Apap

Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, William Debattista

Fourth Official: Clayton Pisani

BOV player of the match: Jackson Lima (Hibernians)