A brace from Jurgen Degabriele earned nervy Hibernians their first Premier League win of 2023, easing the pressure on coach Andrea Pisanu after two consecutive defeats.

 

Hibs were edgy after making three changes from their defeat against Ħamrun Spartans. With Jake Grech dropped to the bench,  Gabriel Mensah, on his second Premiership start, partnered Jurgen Degabriele up front.

 

Congolese international striker Ferebory Dore, on his debut with Mosta, created the first chance of the match after 11 minutes. Yet, Justin Haber saved the striker’s long-range shot.

 

Hibs, though, quickly bounced back when Degabriele opened the scoring after 22 minutes.

 

Mensah had superbly crafted the opening with Degabriele meeting his cross at the far post.

 

On 35 minutes, Mosta nearly equalised only for Clayton Failla to see his free-kick goalwards fly past the upright.

 

After the interval Degabriele seized the initiative for Hibs, who were visibly buoyed by their 1-0 half-time scoreline.

 

After some excellent interplay with Mensah, Degabriele set up substitute Jairo Morillas but the Spanish striker failed to hit the ball immediately and was closed down by the Mosta rearguard.

 

But Hibs swiftly capitalised on their supremacy to double their advantage on 77 minutes.

 

Kurt Shaw collected a short clearance by Jake Vassallo and flicked a clever ball through for Degabriele, who fired a rising shot in off the far post.

 

Mosta, in fifth place after five wins in six matches, could not respond despite introducing Linus Tenebe and Victor Mbata.

While Haber saved on Tenebe, Mosta could not ruin Hibs’ day.

 

Mensah could have added another in the last few minutes when his shot finished off target.

 

Sportsdesk – Valhmor Camilleri