Jake Grech brace gives dominant Hibernians victory in San Marino

Folgore 1 Hibernians 3

Folgore: G. Lombardi, N. Arrigoni, M. Bernardi, C. Brolli, A. Gall, E. Fedeli, Y. Jassey, A. Nucci, D. Piscaglia, M. Spighi, P. Tamagnini

Hibernians: N. Vella, A. Agius, L. Almeida, F. Apap, A. Attard, J. Degabriele, W. Domoraud, J. Grech, B. Kristensen, B. T. Lubanzaido Aldama, S. Raphael

Referee: Christofi T. (Cyp)

Hibernians made a step forward towards a third round qualification in the UEFA Europa Conference League when they beat San Marino’s Folgore 3-1, with Jake Grech scoring a brace. It was a fully deserved victory for the Paolites, who suffered an early goal, but then they showed their worth and superiority for an important victory.

Hibernians had a good start but were jolted on five minutes when a Fedeli header deceived goalkeeper Vella who slipped and was beaten by this central header.

Hibernians pushed forward but were almost punished again minutes later, but this time Vella blocked Bernardi’s grounder.

Hibernians lost Dos Anjos injured and was replaced by Dunstan Vella, and on 13 minutes obtained a deserved equaliser with a great goal from Jurgen Degabriele with a shot from the edge of the area with the ball in the top corner.

The match was now balanced with both sides committing several mistakes.

On 24 minutes Hibernians took the lead when from a Degabriele cross, Jake Grech squeezed the ball home with a half volley from close range.

On 38 minutes Domoraud missed a sitter all alone in front of goal with his effort going inches wide.

In the second half the match was played at a slower pace with Hibernians easily protecting their one-goal lead. On 70 minutes Kristensen should have sealed the issue but missed the target with an open goal at his mercy.

Two minutes later another good opportunity for Hibernians, with Degabriele’s low shot going inches wide.

Folgore were now in apparent difficulty and Jake Grech sealed the issue on 83 minutes with a low drive giving Lombardi no chance to save.