Malta round-up: Mifsud treble for Hibernians

An Adrian Mifsud hat-trick helped Hibernians FC earn a 4-2 win in Malta on Saturday.

Joy for Hibernians and Floriana
Mifsud was in superb form as Hibernians overwhelmed their championship pool opponents Sliema Wanderers FC at the National stadium in Ta'Qali, while Floriana FC earned a 2-0 win in their game against Valletta FC earlier in the day.

Mifsud rampant
Mifsud opened the scoring for Hibernians in the 29th minute, beating goalkeeper Murphy Akanji from the penalty spot and he added his second six minutes later before Noel Turner gathered a loose ball just outside the Hibernians area and beat Mario Muscat with a well-placed shot to give Sliema hope.

Superb hat-trick
Hibernians continued to pile on the pressure in the second half and Mifsud combined with Ndubisi Chuckunyere to fire home his hat-trick goal and his 17th overall of the season 15 minutes into the second half, before Chuckunyere made it 4-1 nine minutes later. A Turner penalty for Sliema completed the scoring four minutes later.

Floriana still in form
Ziya Yildiz's Floriana are the form team in Malta, however, as they proved by overcoming champions Valletta. Floriana opened the score after six minutes as George Mallia played in Edoardo do Nascimento who fired past Ernest Barry. The Brazilian then hit the post before Rufin Oba made it two after 53 minutes with a dipping, long-range strike.