Hibernians made a winning start to their VBET Malta Premier League Opening Round Top 6 campaign after defeating champions Floriana 2-0, extending the Greens’ miserable run of form.
Goals from Joy Slayd Mickels and Alex Sobczyk secured three valuable points for the Paolites, who climbed provisionally into third place in the standings, while Floriana remained rooted to the bottom of the Top 6.
The defeat was Floriana’s third in succession, with the Greens now having gone six consecutive matches without a victory.
Hibernians coach Tugberk Tanrivermis retained the same starting eleven that defeated Balzan 2-1 in their previous outing, while Floriana introduced Amar Drina in place of Dunstan Vella following their defeat against Valletta.
The Paolites made a dream start, taking the lead after just five minutes when Moritz Romling delivered a corner from the left. Following headers from Kristensen and Shaw, Mickels was perfectly positioned to nod the ball past goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti.
Floriana attempted to respond immediately, with Gaston Romano seeing his effort from outside the penalty area deflected behind for a corner.
However, Hibernians continued to pose the greater attacking threat.
Jayden Roe tested Cioletti with a powerful long-range effort midway through the first half before Joseph Mbong almost caught the goalkeeper off guard with an ambitious attempt from midfield.
Cioletti was again called into action shortly afterwards, producing an excellent save to deny Dexter Xuereb’s dangerous cross-shot.
Mouad El Fanis also threatened for Hibernians, while Floriana’s Stephen Odey narrowly missed the target following a pass from Paul Mbong.
The Greens came agonisingly close to restoring parity five minutes after the restart when Robert Muric’s free-kick struck the upright following a deflection by Odey.
Despite that opportunity, Floriana struggled to create sustained pressure as Hibernians remained organised defensively and dangerous on the counterattack.
El Fanis fired over the crossbar on 58 minutes, while substitute Alex Sobczyk went close to doubling the advantage after being supplied by Duane Bonnici.
Joseph Mbong also threatened before Hibernians finally made their superiority count nine minutes from time.
Mbong released Bonnici down the right flank, and the latter delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area for Sobczyk to finish from close range and put the result beyond doubt.
Hibernians could have added a third in the closing stages when Mbong rounded Cioletti, but the Floriana goalkeeper recovered to prevent another goal.
The victory maintained Hibernians’ positive momentum and strengthened their position in the battle for the leading places, while Floriana’s alarming slump continued despite their status as reigning champions.
Result: Floriana 0-2 Hibernians
Scorers: Joy Slayd Mickels 5′, Alex Sobczyk 81′.
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