Hibernians survived an early scare as they came from behind to beat Santa Lucia 3-2 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
An early goal handed Santa Lucia the lead but Hibs scored three to turn the score in their favour with Pablo Cortes Sanchez’s side reducing the gap late in the game.
Hibs join Balzan in fifth place, one point behind Gudja United and four behind Gzira United and Birkirkara who share second place. Santa Lucia, on the other hand, remain at the bottom of the table with one point, two behind Pieta’ Hotspurs and Zebbug Rangers.
Santa Lucia took the lead on 5 minutes thanks to a great goal by Meghon Valpoort who concluded a brilliant run on the right with an angled shot which gave goalkeeper Justin Haber no chance.
Hibs levelled matters on the 31st when off a corner from the right, Bjorn Kristensen served Jake Grech whose fine volley beat goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona.
Thirteen minutes in the second half, Hibs forged ahead when off a cross by Jurgen Degabriele, Jake Grech hit home from close range.
Six minutes later, the Paolites made it 3-1 courtesy of Jurgen Degabriele who received an assist by Yunusa Muritala and hit low past Calleja Cremona.
Two minutes frim time, Francisco Eliomar Rodrigues Farias reduced the gap with a direct freekick which gave the Hibs goalkeeper no chance.