Hibernians edged past Mosta with a slender 1-0 victory, thanks to an early strike by Duane Bonnici that sealed a second successive win in the Closing Round.

The Paolites made a bright start and were rewarded on 12 minutes when Bonnici struck from a tight angle on the left, beating goalkeeper Udoh Akpan to give his side the lead. That goal ultimately proved decisive in a closely contested encounter.

Hibernians had shown early intent, with goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu first denying Matthew Bolanos with a fine save on eight minutes, before Bonnici’s dangerous cross narrowly evaded Cleiton moments later. Bonnici remained a constant threat and came close to doubling the lead on 36 minutes after exchanging passes with Cleiton, but his angled effort slipped just wide of the post.

Mosta responded strongly after the break and dominated large spells as they searched for an equaliser. Pedro Cacho forced Branescu into another excellent save on 74 minutes, with the Romanian goalkeeper tipping the Brazilian’s effort around the post. At the other end, Miullen nearly caught Akpan off his line with an audacious attempt that sailed just over.

The visitors continued to press late on, with Giancarlo Goncalves testing Branescu from distance on 82 minutes, but Hibernians held firm. In the closing stages, Cleiton set up substitute Denys Norenkov, whose shot was deflected behind as the Paolites protected their narrow advantage.

The victory leaves Hibernians with maximum points from their last two outings, while Mosta remain without a point after three matches in the Closing Round.