BOV Premier League | Tarxien Rainbows 2 – Hibernians 4

Hibernians and Tarxien Rainbows faced off each other during the second match at the National Stadium. The Paolites struggled to gain consistency so far, but were coming from a 2-0 win over St Andrews.

On the other hand, Tarxien started better than last season and gained six points from five matches. The Rainbows suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sliema during their previous encounter.

This scenario pointed towards Hibernians as favourites to claim the three points; however, they were aware that Jose Borg’s side could cause them problems if they play at their best.

Hibernians started well and had an excellent opportunity after just two minutes. Following a through ball forward, Tiago Adan Fonseca ran inside the penalty area, but failed to hit the target.

Fonseca made up for losing this chance two minutes later as he send the Paolites ahead. Jurgen Degabriele delivered a cross from the left towards the Brazilian who slotted the ball past Andrea Cassar.

Tarxien replied immediately. Gabriel Aquilina’s cross from a corner was met by Jens Alexander Wemmer and the German saw his effort stamping off the upright before going out for a goal kick.

On the other end, Cassar had to be on the alert in order to deny Hibs. Degabriele’s delivery from a corner was met by Bjorn Kristensen whose header forced a good save from Tarxien’s custodian.

Degabriele remained a constant threat for the rainbows and had another chance on the 16th minute. The young striker sent an angled shot that was neutralised by Cassar.

Tarxien hit back and equalised a minute later. Ricardo Silva Faria’s crossed the ball towards the unmarked Wemmer who placed it behind Andrew Hogg.

Jose` Borg’s men went close again on the 22nd minute. Wemmer’s shot from the left was parried by Hogg. A number of attackers attempted to take the rebound, but the referee whistled for a foul on Joseph Mbong.

Five minutes from half-time, Aquilina tried his luck from distance, but his effort went high.

A minute later, Nicolas Taylon Marcolino sent a low shot from inside the penalty area that was blocked by Cassar.

Stefano Sanderra’s men regained the lead on the 54th minute. Following a free-kick, Daniel Zerafa handled the ball inside the penalty area and the referee pointed towards the spot. Fonseca stepped up to take the penalty kick and converted.

Hibernians scored their third goal ten minutes later. Joseph Mbong’s through ball forward completely opened Tarxien’s defence. Marcolino found himself face to face with the goalkeeper and slotted the ball inside the net.

Marcolino was unlucky not to add another on the 66th minute. The Brazilian unleashed a powerful shot that hit the post with Cassar completely beaten.

Hibs were completely superior by now and scored their fourth goal two minutes later. Degabriele took hold of a loose ball, ran inside the penalty area, and finished home.

On the 80th minute, Marcolino ran forward inside the penalty area down the right flank before hitting a low shot that sailed across the frame of goal.

Five minutes later, Mbong went past a defender and fired a shot from inside the penalty area that was blocked by Cassar.

The post denied Hibernians from scoring their fifth goal on the 90th minute. Ivan Blazevic made space for himself and fired a shot that hit the woodwork.

Tarxien scored a consolation goal during the additional time. From a free-kick, Darren Falzon hit a thumping shot that stunned Hogg.

Tarxien Rainbows starting line-up: Andrea Cassar, Jens Alexander Wemmer, Radu Rogac, Daniel Zerafa, Gabriel Aquilina, Darren Falzon, Andre` Charles Scicluna, Stefan Radovanovic, Anderson De Barros, Ricardo Silva Faria, Alexander Nilsson

Hibernians starting line-up: Andrew Hogg, Dunstan Vella, Nemanja Radojevic, Joseph Mbong, Marcelo Dias, Jurgen Degabriele, Bjorn Kristensen, Isaac Ntow, Nicolas Taylon Marcolino, Andrei Agius, Tiago Adan Fonseca

Referee: Emmanuel Grech

Assistant Referees: Paul Apap, Theodore Zammit

Fourth Official: Etienne Mangion

BOV Player of the Match: Tiago Adan Fonseca (Hibs)