Hibernians bounced back from the shock elimination from the Izibet FA Trophy as they defeated Gudja United 4-1 at the Centenary Stadium on Sunday.
A win which at least temporarily puts Silvio Vella’s side on level points with third-placed Birkirkara.
The Paolites took the lead on the 12th minute thanks to a direct freekick by Jurgen Degabriele from the left which beat goalkeeper Glenn Zammit.
Eleven minutes later, Hibernians doubled the score when they were awarded a penalty when Neil Micallef brought Dunstan Vella down inside the area; Micallef was sent off and Jake Grech converted from the penalty spot.
Six minutes in the second half, Gudja reduced the gap thanks to an own goal by Thaylor Aldama who deflected the ball past Jovicic following a cross from the right.
Hibs went 3-1 ahead on the 63rd minute when off a cross by Zachary Grech, Jurgen Degabriele flicked the ball home in style past the Gudja goalkeeper.
Three minutes in added time, Yunusa Muritala scored a fourth goal for the Paolites when he lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper and controlled before placing the ball at the back of the net.