Brazilian striker Edison Luis dos Santos scored twice as Hibernians defeated Sliema Wanderers 2-1 to extend their unbeaten record to fourteen matches.
For Sliema Wanderers, this was yet another disappointing result as theis was the fourth defeat in five matches.
The Wanderers were once again a depleted side due to the absence of Alex Muscat, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Mark Scerri, Andrea Pisanu and John Mintoff. They had three changes from the team which lost to Floriana in the last league game as Clive Psaila, Marko Potezica and Trevor Cilia replaced Mintoff, Peter Xuereb and Gnabouyou. Hibs coach Branko Nisevic, on the other hand, made once change as Joseph Mbong replaced the injured Marcelo Dias.
Hibs went close after just two minutes with a close range effort by Tarabai blocked by Glenn Zammit.
The Paolites took the lead on the 13th minute when off a Clayton Failla freekick from the right, the ball was deflected by Scozzese and Edison Luis dos Santos tapped the ball home from close range.
Tarabai could have added another on 37 minutes following a cross from the right but headed just wide.
The Paolites doubled the score on the hour thanks to a direct freekick by Edison Luis dos Santos whcih gae goalkeeper Glenn Zammit no chance.
Six minutes later, the Blues pulled one back thanks to Peter Xuereb, served by Trevor Cilia, who slotted the ball past Bonello.
One minute from time, Trevor Cilia went close to equalising but his goal-bound conclusion was cleared into safety by Jonathan Pearson.
SLIEMA Glenn Zammit, Luca Martinelli (77′ Aiden Jake Friggieri), Filippo Andrea Scozzese, Michael Mifsud (45′ Peter Xuereb), Clive Psaila, Marko Potezica, Trevor Cilia, Fabio Mangiacasale, Djumo Bocar (55′ Guy Kassa Gnabouyou), Beppe Muscat, Stefano Bianciardi.
Subs not used: Daniel Balzan, Ioussef Meli, Axl Xuereb, Carl Cassar.
Coach: Stephen AzzopardiHIBS Henry Bonello, Rui da Gracia Gomes, Rodolfo Soares, Andrew Cohen, Bjorn Kristensen (64′ Jackson di Lima Siqueira), Clayton Failla, Johann Bezzina, Andrei Agius, Edison Luis dos Santos, Joseph Essien Mbong (84′ Jonathan Pearson), Jorge Pereira da Silva.
Subs not used: Jurgen Borg, Keith Tanti, Dunstan Vella, Zach Scerri, Jurgen Degabriele.
Coach: Branko NisevicReferee: Clayton Pisani
Assistant Referees: Ingmar Spiteri, Jurgen Spiteri
Fourth Official: Alan Mario Sant
Yellow Cards: Martinelli, Bocar, Cohen, Agius, Potezica, Mangiacasale, Scozzese
BOV Player of the Match: Edison Luis dos Santos