Hibernians condemned Sliema Wanderers to a fourth consecutive defeat as a goal early in the second half handed them a narrow win at the Hibernians Stadium on Sunday.
This was the second win on the trot for the Paolites who now join Hamrun Spartans in fourth place on the 16-point mark, one behind third placed Sirens and one ahead of champions Valletta.
The Wanderers, on the other hand, continue to disappoint as they suffer the fourth consecutive defeat which leaves them third from bottom on five points.
Hibs went close with attempts by Jake Grech and Gabriel Izquier but on the 58th minute, they managed to take the lead when a cross by Dunstan Vella beat goalkeeper Entonjo Elezaj.
To make matters worse for Sliema, Mark Scerri was sent off for the Wanderers six minutes from time following an incident with Jens Wemmer of Hibernians.
HIBS Marko Jovicic, Timothy Tabone Desira, Ferdinando Apap, Marcio Leandro da Silveira, Joseph Mbong, Jake Grech (68’ Bjorn Kristensen), Dunstan Vella, Gabriel Izquier Artiles, Andrei Agius, Leonardo Nanni (85’ Bjorn Kristensen), Imanol Iriberri.
Subs not used: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Terrence Groothusen, Jurgen Degabriele, Myles Beerman, Ayrton Attard.
Coach: Stefano Sanderra
Asst. Coach: Ryan PulisSLIEMA Entonjo Elezaj, Kurt Shaw, Jonathan Pearson (90+1’ Gareth Barone), John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Claudio Zappa (66’ Stanimir Miloskovic), Juri Cisotti, Robert Johan Carvajal Diaz, Edmond Agius (66’ Alex Satariano), Seydou Sow, Claudio Pani.
Subs not used: Glenn Zammit, Jake Galea, Jack Kind, Peter Xuereb.
Coach: Alfonso Greco
Asst. Coach: Ivan WoodsReferee: Malcolm Spiteri
Assistant Referees: Duncan Sultana, Chris Francalanza
Fourth Official: Emanuel Grech
Yellow Cards: Apap, Carvajal, Sow
Red Cards: 84’ Mark Scerri
BOV Player of the Match: Dunstan VellaAttendance: 1,343