Marsaxlokk registered their first win in the VBET Malta Premier as they defeated Hibernians 1-0 in a match from the Opening Round league phase at the Centenary Stadium on Friday.
The Southseasiders, who were coming from a draw with Balzan in their first outing, held the initiative during the first half, taking a well-deserved lead, and during the second half, managed to keep their opponents at bay to take home the three points.
For Hibernians, this was the first defeat after claiming maximum points from the first match against Sliema.
For Marsaxlokk, Enzo Potenza made three changes to the team which was held by Balzan as Enrico Pepe, Rasmus Linden and Domantas Simkus were preferred to Weder Soares, Lucas Caruana and Redon Mihana. On the other hand, Hibernians coach Tugberk Tanrivermis named an unchanged side following the win over Sliema.
Rasmus Linden scored the all-important goal for Marsaxlokk on 35 minutes as he received an assist by Ulises Arias and rounded a defender before beating goalkeeper Cardinali with a powerful shot in the bottom left corner.
Two minutes from time, Hibernians were unlucky to hit the upright with a Joy Mickels header off a cross by Isaiah Chukunyere.