Hamrun S 1

Balzan Y 0

Hamrun Spartans made a bold step forward towards a quick return to the elite of local soccer with a hard earned win over Balzan Youths. Now the Spartans are in second place, two points behind leaders Mqabba, who were stunned by Naxxar on Saturday.

Balzan Youths are now in deep relegation trouble as they were the only side from the lower part of the table to go out empty handed.

Hamrun were surely a better outfit, and their win was a deserved one. However, Balzan gave Hamrun a good run for their money but Joe Borg’s side lacked the necessary punch up front, and this was sorely felt in the last part of the match when Balzan tried in vain to obtain the equaliser.

Hamrun had a great opportunity to break the ice after only four minutes when Beppe Pace handled the ball inside the area, but from the resultant penalty the Hamrun captain Stefan Sultana shot incredibly wide.

Following this opportunity, Hamrun were kept at bay by Balzan’s hard working midfield with Marlow and Stefan Farrugia instrumental. On 20 minutes Sciortino passed to Camilleri who shot wide. On the other end Hamrun had two scoring chances with Ryan Fenech hitting slightly wide and with Cucciardi heading high a good cross by Slavchev.

On 26 minutes Balzan were unlucky when Alistair Camilleri hit the base of the post following a perfect Farrugia pass. Balzan’s goalkeeper Bonello made the best save, denying Fenech in the 31st minute, but the Balzan goalkeeper had to give in a minute later when Balzan defender Jerryton Agius committed an own goal in an attempt to anticipate Slavchev following a Fenech freekick.

Hamrun were boosted by this lead and almost doubled the score minutes later when Pierre Grima had to clear off the line a dangerous corner by Fenech with Bonello beaten.

In the second half Balzan took the initiative and Hamrun defended for long periods.

However Balzan were never dangerous and their only real chance was through a Pierre Grima corner that created havoc in the Hamrun rearguard. Hamrun operated some counter attacks especially after the inclusion of Gaetan Spiteri, but they were never really menacing apart from a good chance for Kevin Borg who missed a good opportunity in front of goal.