Andrew Cohen, of Hibs, running ahead of Mosta’s Ian Zammit. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Hibernians are within touching distance of their first Premier League crown since 2009.

A crushing 5-0 victory over Mosta at the National Stadium last weekend ensured the Paolites retained an eight-point lead over nearest rivals Birkirkara, leaving them needing just seven points from their remaining five matches to attain mathematical certainty of being crowned champions for the 11th time in their club history.

On Saturday, Hibernians were keen to get back to winning ways after having been pegged back at the death by Naxxar Lions in a 2-2 in their previous match.

Despite failing to put his name on the scoresheet, captain Andrew Cohen was the catalyst behind Hibs’ victory as he produced another man-of-the-match performance with his running and incisive passes creating several problems to the Mosta defence.

“After the draw against Naxxar we had to get back to winning ways quickly,” Cohen told Times of Malta yesterday.

“This season, each time we failed to win a match, we always managed to bounce back in the next fixture and that turned out to be a crucial factor in our strong position in the standings.

“There are only a few matches to go and we are becoming more eager to wrap up this championship.

“We want to win as many matches as possible to close the league chapter and avoid unnecessary end-of-season tension.”

Cohen admitted that the hurt Hibs felt when losing the 2013 league decider to Birkirkara still rankles in their minds.

That upset has only increased Hibs’ determination to end a six-year wait to become champions again.

“Losing that league decider two years ago still hurts,” Cohen said.

“Valletta and Birkirkara also missed out on the title on the final day of the season. But while they both succeeded in becoming champions after that we are still waiting our first title since 2009.

“Hibs are taking nothing for granted though... we have five matches to play so it’s not done yet.”

No doubt, Cohen’s excellent form has been one of the main reasons behind Hibs’ exciting campaign so far.

He has revelled in his position just behind the strikers and the 33-year-old admitted that he is having the time of his life roaming behind the forward line.

“I had a couple of great matches this season and scored a few goals as well,” Cohen said.

“The coach is deploying me in an advanced midfield role. I have a lot of freedom to run and set up the strikers and that suits my game a lot. Besides, physically I’m feeling in the best form of my life and that helps a lot. Hopefully, it will continue for a long time.”

Despite playing his best football for many a year, Cohen has failed to secure a regular place in the national team.

Late last month, he earned a rare start in a friendly against Georgia but was subsequently relegated to the bench by coach Pietro Ghedin for the Euro qualifier away at Azerbaijan.

Baku omission

Cohen admits his difficulties with the national team leave him rather perplexed.

“I have to admit that I have no clear explanation as to why I’m often left out of the team,” Cohen said.

“Against Georgia I felt I had a good match and the coach told me he was satisfied with my contribution to the team. I thought I had done enough to keep my place for the match in Baku but he decided otherwise.

“For me, it’s not easy to sit on the bench but you have to respect the coach and the decisions he takes. The only thing I can do is keep working hard and hopefully I will be get another opportunity.”

Malta’s next match is on June 12 against Bulgaria but until then Cohen will be focusing all his attention on leading the Paolites to the championship and, perhaps, crown his season with the FA Trophy for a rare Hibs double. The last time they did it was in 1981-1982.

“I have been playing for Hibernians since I was in the U-10s and won several major honours for the club,” Cohen said.

“But to be team captain in a title-winning season makes it even more memorable. Hibs are also in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy so that gives us a chance to clinch a first double in more than two decades.

“I have a huge debt towards Hibs. They provided me with a platform to express my talent so I want to repay their faith by giving them my all and make this one of the most memorable seasons in our club’s history.”