Hibernians cruise to 5-1 win

Hibernians scored four goals inside the opening 15 minutes to cruise to a 5-1 win over a young Pembroke Athleta team this week.

The game was over as a contest after Hibs’ early blitz but Pembroke did improve thereafter and also managed to score a consolation goal.

Nicole Mifsud, 14, replaced the injured Rosemarie Baldacchino in Pembroke’s goal. Lorna Cassar struck in the first minute and Dionne Tonna hit a quick brace to put Hibs 3-0 up by the 10th minute.

The Paolites’ dominance con-tinued as Kathleen Saliba in-creased their lead on 13 minutes but they were unable to add to their tally until half-time.

Fourteen minutes into the second half, Justine Zammit converted a penalty to pull one back for Pembroke but Hibs com-pleted the scoring when She-rianne Zammit found the net on 62 minutes.

Hibs are third in the table on 26 points, 12 behind leaders Birkir-kara who beat Raiders 4-0 in their last match.

Hibs coach Jose Borg was happy with the win but less so with his team’s finishing.

“Although we had some key players missing for this match, we still did well against a young Pembroke Athleta team who gave their all,” Borg said.

“I’m not totally satisfied with our performance though as we missed several chances.”

Rikky Pace, the Pembroke coach, rued his team’s poor show in those initial stages.

“The game was entertaining to watch but unfortunately it was decided in the first 20 minutes when we conceded some soft goals.

“Nevertheless, I’m proud of my team as they lifted their game in the second half, particularly our young keeper Nicole Mifsud.”

Hibernians: C. Camilleri, M. Debono, S. Zammit, R. Cauchi, M. Camilleri, C. Grech (G. Tonna 60), L. Cassar (M. Mizzi 67), C. Zammit, K. Saliba, N. Borg (M. Azzopardi 90), D. Tonna.

Pembroke: N. Mifsud, A. Rapa (M. Sammut 46), S. Cassar Dymond, M. Sultana (D. Scerri 86), S. Schembri (C. Leonardi 68), A. Grech, C. Camilleri, M. Borg, J. Galea (G. Stellini 80), J. Zammit, T. Scicluna (S. Caruana 58).

Referee: Martin Borg.

Other results: Raiders Luxol 0 Birkirkara 4 (Agius Pace 16, 60, 80; Cuschieri 43); Marsa vs Mosta 0-10 (Pace 5, 67; Bedingfield 8, 47, 53; Nolan 15, 60; Xuereb 18, 50; Muscat 65).

Division Two

Melita and Sta Venera took a point each after a 1-1 draw.

Nicole Vermeulen gave Melita a deserved lead from a free-kick on 31 minutes but Sta Venera equalised 10 minutes from time when Beverly Abela committed an own goal from a corner action.

Other results: Żurrieq vs Lija-Iklin 6-0; Mġarr United vs Żejtun Corin-thians 14-0; Ħamrun Spartans vs Tarxien Rainbows 3-1.