A raft of summer signings raised hopes of mounting a strong title challenge.

A powerful performance against Vaduz in the first round of the UEFA Europa League seemed to confirm those aspirations.

Hibernians dominated the early part of the game against Sliema and looked in complete control as Ferdinando Apap gave them the lead after twenty minutes, only to see Juri Cisotti head Sliema level ten minutes later.

It was now the turn of Sliema to control the game and they went in front on the hour mark.

Hibernians early momentum seemed to desert them and they struggled to make any progress against Sliema.

Their evening worsened when Andre Agius was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Sliema capitalized on the man advantage and added a third to make sure of the win.

Coach Stefano Sanderra has a week to lift his players before their next game against defending champions Floriana.