Hibernians regained the top spot in the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round as they defeated neighbours Tarxien Rainbows 3-1 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Tuesday.
A win which puts the Paolites on the 14-point mark, two points ahead of second-placed Hamrun Spartans with Floriana lying in third place on 10 points. The Rainbows, on the other hand, suffered a third defeat to remain eighth on five points.
Hibermians managed to take the lead on 17 minutes when off a through ball by Bjorn Kristensen for Cleiton, the latter managed to slot the ball past goalkeeper Andrea Cassar from the right.
Two minutes in added time, Hibs doubled the scoe when off a cross from the left by Duane Bonnici, Lucas Villela headed the ball home past goalkeeper Cassar.
One minute in the second half, the Rainbows reduced the gap when Tavinho’s free kick from the right was blocked by a defender and Kwasi Donsu beat goalkeeper Hugo Sacco with a powerful drive from outside the area.
Hibernians sealed the issue with a third goal on 90 minutes when off a swift counter break, the ball reached Lucas Villela who rounded a defender before slotting past Cassar from the edge of the area.