Hibs overcome Birkirkara to re-ignite European bid

HIBERNIANS        3

BIRKIRKARA        1

Hibs beat Birkirkara to re-ignited their bid to book a place in next year’s Europa League competition.

Three goals in a devastating six minutes just past the hour mark saw Hibernians secure the three points and bridge the gap with the fourth-placed Stripes to just two points.

Hibs’ first-half superiority was not reflected by goalless scoreline as they created a number of chances, but Birkirkara midfielder Mislav Andelkovic gifted Mario Muscat’s side a significant break on the brink of half-time when he foolishly earned a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Dias.

Hibernians struck past the hour mark. Clayton Failla was the provider with an outswinging cross and as a hesitant Kristijan Naumovski darted out of goal, Jackson Lima rose high to head the ball home.

Brimming with forwards, the Paolites after Jorginho replaced Dias, hit Birkirkara with another blow as Mbong darted past the Birkirkara defence to meet Degabriele’s ball with a header past Naumovski.

Muscat’s side wrapped the points a minute later as Degabriele dispatched a sublime rising finish past the Birkirkara goalkeeper.

At death, substitute Ognjun Rolovic reduced the...