Hibernians survived a second scare as they managed to overcome a resilient Santa Lucia side in a five-goal thriller at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

 

The Paolites had looked set for a comfortable evening as they dominated the early proceedings against their neighbouring rivals.

 

In fact, Hibernians took just five minutes to forge ahead when they Greek forward Giannis Bastianos put them ahead.

 

Sta Lucia look rattled and Hibernians struck again on 18 minutes with Bastianos again providing the killer touch to make it 2-0.

 

The Paolites could have all but wrapped up the points on 22 minutes when they were awarded a penalty but Dutch winger Rodney Antwi failed to beat Santa Lucia goalkeeper Francisco Silva Filho.

 

That miss proved costly as after the break Santa Lucia came out storming out of the blocks and Lucas Sena Silva pulled a goal back on 52 minutes before Adam Bradshaw levelled matters four minutes later.

 

Despite this double setback Hibernians kept their poise and they managed to regain their lead through their striking talisman Jurgen Degabriele who made it 3-2.

 

Sportsdesk – Valhmor Camilleri