League leaders Hamrun Spartans made another step forward in their quest to win the ninth title in their history with a slender but relatively easy victory over rivals Valletta.

This was the eigth consecutive victory for Hamrun who at the moment have no real opponents on the island. This will be first match in four days between these great rivals as they will cross swords again on Wednesday in the FA Trophy. Hamrun wwere in full control of the match and Valletta never gave the impression they can take something from this match, even though Hamrun had to rely on an Elvis Mashike first half strike to claim the three points.

The Citizens were inexistant in the first half, and although they did improve in the second part of the match the Spartans really had a relatively easy afternoon. Hamrun immediately made their intensions clear dominating the midfield sector and pushing Valletta in their own half in the early stages of the game. On ten minutes Jonny had a good opportunity but his effort was easily blocked by Formosa.

A minute later Jonny again made way before passing towards Joseph Mbong whose effort wwas brilliantly saved by Formosa. 

On 17 minutes Valletta had a lucky escape when Guillaumier’s deflected drive finished against the upright and Mbong hit wide from the rebound.

It was a matter of time as Hamrun continued to dictate and on 19 minutes Hamrun scored what proved to be the winner. Elvis Mashike pounced on a Kamdem defensive blunder to beat the helpless Formosa on the far post. Seven minutes later Valletta’s defence gave away another gift but this time Formosa made a stunning save to deny Matthew Guillaumier.

On the resumption Hamrun went close again after barely three minutes when a Bjelicic header from a Guillaumier corner missed the upright by a whisker. Valletta somewhat improved in the second half as Hamrun eased their pressure and Valletta almost drew level half way through the second half when an Enzo Ruiz header deceived Bonello but the ball went just wide.

On 7 minutes Shaun Dimech beat a couple of defenders but his effort slightly missed the target. That was all Valletta could offer on the day and they must surely do better on Wednesday if they wish to keep their european dreams alive. Hamrun jostled around for the remaining minutes to make another step towards a deserved league title.