Despite for playing for over an hour in ten men, Hibernians defeated Gozitan champions Xewkija Tigers 3-0 at the National Stadium to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy, powered by Boost Diesel.

Shaun Bajada almost put the Tigers ahead direct from a corner but Andrei Agius cleared the ball off the goal line with the goalkeeper beaten on the 12th.

Hibernians managed to take the lead on the 17th minute when off a cross from the right by Joseph Mbong, Joao Moreira headed home past goalkeeper Franklin Vella.

Photo: Copyright © Andrew Grima

Three minutes later, Hibs doubled the score when Joseph Mbong served Jurgen Degabriele on the right and the latter hit home past the Xewkija goalkeeper.

Joao Moreira was sent off for Hibernians on the 26th minute after hitting Manwel Xerri, leaving his side playing in ten men.

However the Paolites increased the lead on the 69th minute thanks to another goal by Jurgen Degabriele when served by Clayton Failla from the left.

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HIBS Rudy Briffa, Dunstan Vella, Rui da Gracia Gomes (46′ Clayton Failla), Rodolfo Soares, Jurgen Degabriele (75′ Timothy Tabone Desira), Bjorn Kristensen, Martin Kreuzriegler, Giorgi Gorozia (46′ Johann Bezzina), Joseph Mbong, Joao Moreira, Andrei Agius.

XEWKIJA Franklin Vella, Rodney Buttigieg, Moussa Bamba, Manwel Xerri, Gennaro Hili (61′ Daniel Bogdanovic), Joseph Mario Vela, Milos Stojanovic, Shaun Bajada, Dene Shields (84′ Joseph Cefai), Claudio Antunes (80′ Joseph Azzopardi), Thiago Melo dos Santos.

Referee: Darryl Agius
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Peter Abela
Fourth Official: Matthew De Gabriele
Yellow Cards: Briffa, JM Vella, Xerri
Red Cards: 26′ Joao Moreira