Lithuanian international striker Karolis Laukzemis notched a hat-trick to hand Hibernians a comfortable 3-0 win over Santa Lucia at the Hibernians Stadium on Saturday.
A win which puts the Paolites temporarily on top the BOV Premier League table.
Hibs took the lead on the 37th minute thanks to Karolis Laukzemis who hit home from close range when served by Shola Shodiya from the right.
Two minutes in the second half, Gabriel Izquier sent Karolis Laukzemis through inside the area and the latter slotted past goalkeeper Christopher Farrugia.
Santa Lucia were reduced to ten men on the 55th minute when Jamie Zerafa, who was back after serving a one-match ban, received a second yellow card.
On the 73rd minute, Hibernians made it 3-0 thanks to another goal by Karolis Laukzemis who tapped the ball home from close range following a cross by Jake Grech from the right.
SANTA LUCIA Christopher Farrugia, Timothy Tabone Desira, Andre Prates Rodrigues, Izaias Duarte (72′ Andreas Vella), Kevin Correia, Adam Magri Overend (59′ Kieran Xuereb), Glaucio de Araujo, Alan da Silva Souza, Victor Luiz Filho, Jamie Zerafa, Rei Tachikawa (26′ Michael Camilleri).
Coach: Oliver SpiteriHIBS Matthew Calleja Cremona, Ferdinando Apap, Leandro Almeida, Ayrton Attard, Jake Grech (75′ Dunstan Vella), Bjorn Kristensen (82′ Christopher Edafe Uzeh), Gabriel Izquier Artiles (76′ Zachary Karl Grech), Haruna Shola Shodiya, Andrei Agius, Jose Wilkson Teixeira (65′ Rundell Renold Winchester), Karolis Laukzemis (76′ Jurgen Degabriele).
Coach: Stefano SanderraReferee: Ishmael Barbara
Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Duncan Sultana
Fourth Official: Stefan Pace
Yellow Cards: J. Zerafa, J. Grech
Red Cards: 55′ Jamie Zerafa
BOV Player of the Match: Karolis Laukzemis