Hibernians regained the top spot in the BOV Premier League table as they defeated Floriana 4-1 in the top-of-the-table clash at the National Stadium on Saturday which brought to an end the first phase.
The Paolites scored three in the first half, adding another goal during the second half with the Greens reducing the gap late in the game. Hibs will therefore start the second phase with 47 points, two ahead of Floriana.
Hibernians took the lead on the 16th minute when Jake Grech sent Jurgen Degbriele through and the latter beat goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov with a diagonal shot.
On the 23rd, the Paolites doubled the score when Jake Grech entered the area from the right and served Dunstan Vella who slotted the ball past the Floriana goalkeeper.
Four minutes later, Hibs made it 3-0 when Thaylor Aldama entered the area from the right and hit low with the ball hitting the foot of the upright with Jurgen Degabriele hitting home off the rebound.
Twelve minutes in the second half, the Paolites made it 4-0 when off a cross by Thaylor, Jake Grech had a close range effort blocked by a defender, Ali Diakite took the rebound and served Jake Grech once again who beat Kitanov with a diagonal shot.
Floriana pulled one back seven minutes from time when off an Ulises Arias cross from the right, Christian Rutjens headed the ball home past goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.