BOV Premier League | Hibernians 6 – Tarxien Rainbows 1

Hibernians went into this match on a high after making sure of the Premier League last week with a 3-1 win over St Andrews. The players were cheered by the numerous supporters who went to the National Stadium to celebrate their twelfth Premier League. To make things better for them, they knew that they will be celebrating in a derby match and thus wanted to make sure that nothing will spoil their celebrations.

 In fact, the Maltese champions made a perfect start to the match as they went ahead after just three minutes. Jackson Lima sent a cross inside the penalty area that was met by Jurgen Degabriele who headed past Andrea Cassar.

The Paolites continued with their party three minutes later as Degabriele added another. Clayton Failla delivered a long ball towards the young striker whose powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area gave Cassar no chance.

Incredibly, Degabriele completed his hat-trick on the 11th minute. Jorge Da Silva Pereira sent a cross that was handled by Bradley Barbara and Sandro Spiteri pointed towards the spot. From the eleven metres mark, Degabriele had his initial shot saved by Cassar but managed to score from the rebound.

On the 20th minute, Hibernians added another. Failla delivered a cross towards the unmarked Jorginho and the latter headed inside the net.

A minute later, Hibs nearly added another. Degabriele sent the ball towards Jorginho who went through and finished slightly wide.

Mark Miller’s side were dangerous again on the 34th minute. Failla sent a cross from a free kick that found Bjorn Kristensen whose header ended up marginally over.

A minute from half time, Hibs were denied by Cassar. From a free kick, Lima hit a strong shot that was tipped behind by the Tarxien shot stopper.

Tarxien’s first chance of the match was created on the 68th minute. From a free kick, Ayrton Azzopardi fired a shot that went high.

Four minutes later, Alex Nilsson went on a good run before firing a shot that ended up off target.

Hibernians had a great opportunity to score their fifth goal on the 77th minute. Gilmar Da Silva Ribeiro went down the right flank and sent a cross towards the unmarked Degabriele. However, Cassar rushed out of his place and blocked.

Despite missing this chance, Hibs scored their fifth goal on the 82nd minute. Kristensen sent a long ball towards Lima whose close range effort went past Cassar.

Tarxien scored a consolation goal on the 85th minute. Marcelo Dias fouled Alex Nilsson inside the penalty area and the referee ordered another penalty. Nilsson took charge of the penalty and converted behind substitute goalkeeper Rudy Briffa.

However, two minutes later, Hibernians scored their sixth goal. Gilmar fired a stunning shot from distance that ended up inside the net.

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Rodolfo Soares, Dunstan Vella, Marcelo Dias, Jackson De Lima Siqueira, Clayton Failla, Bjorn Kristensen, Jorge Da Silva Pereira, Jurgen Degabriele, Johann Bezzina, Andrei Agius

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Matthew Brincat, Triston Caruana, Ayrton Azzopardi, Dylan Micallef, Bradley Barbara, Sergio Fernandez Prendes, Daniel Zerafa, Alex Da Paixao Alves, Kurt Zammit, Sacha Borg

Referee: Sandro Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Edward Spiteri

Addition Assistant Referees: Philip Farrugia, Etienne Mangion

Fourth Official: Chris Azzopardi

BOV Player of the Match: Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians)