Hibernians close in on leaders

After disappointing in a defeat to Sirens and a draw with Senglea, Hibernians returned to victory thanks to a 3-1 win over Mosta at the Hibernians Stadium on Saturday.

A win which puts Stefano Sanderra’s side on the 34-point mark together with Sirens just one point behind joint-leaders Floriana and Valletta. The Citizens, however, have a game in hand.

Mosta, on the other hand, suffer their third defeat in four matches to stay just outside the danger zone.

Hibernians, however, levelled matters on the 17th minute thanks to Jake Grech, who advanced into the area before hitting low past Mosta goalkeeper Andreas Vella.

The Paolites forged ahead on the 31st minute thanks to Joseph Mbong who stole the ball off Rafael Morisco and enterered the area, slotting the ball past the Mosta custodian.

Mosta were reduced to ten men on the 58th minute as Rafael Morisco was first cautioned for a foul and then received another for sarcastically applauding the referee’s decision.

Five minutes later, Hibernians also had a player sent off after Marcio Leandro Barbosa da Silveira was handed a red card for halting Christian Eric Chaney’s run.

Ten minutes from time, Hibernians sealed the issue with a third goal thanks to Imanol Iriberri who hit home off an assist by Timothy Tabone Desira.

HIBS Matthew Calleja Cremona, Ferdinando Apap, Jens Wemmer, Marcio Leandro Barbosa da Silveira, Joseph Essien Mbong, Jake Grech (72′ Jorge Santos Silva), Dunstan Vella, Gabriel Izquier Artiles, Edison Luis dos Santos (65′ Timothy Tabone Desira), Andrei Agius, Imanol Iriberri.
Subs not used: Marko Jovicic, Matthew Ellul, Andreas Vella, Myles Beerman, Ayrton Attard.
Coach: Stefano Sanderra
Asst. Coach: Ryan Pulis

MOSTA Andreas Vella, Gabriel Aquilina, Terence Agius (90+1′ Luke Formosa), Takanori Yokochi, Weverton Gomes, Rafael Morisco, Christian Eric Chaney, Tyrone Farrugia, David James Brown (72′ Zachary Brincat), Claudio Jose Augusto Sumbane, Matias Muchardi.
Subs not used: Andre Spiteri, Owen Sammut, Nathan Agius, Matthew Attard, Liam Portelli.
Coach: Mark Miller
Asst. Coach: Joseph Grech

Referee: Etienne Mangion
Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Duncan Spencer
Fourth Official: Alan Mario Sant
Yellow Cards: Morisco, Tabone Desira
Red Cards: 58′ Rafael Morisco, 62′ Marcio Leandro Barbosa da Silveira
BOV Player of the Match: Joseph Mbong

Attendance: