Hamrun Spartans pounced to the top of the table following a 2-0 victory over relegation haunted San Gwann, in a rather tense match.

San Gwann dominated the early stages of the match but Hamrun managed to score in their first attack to turn the tide in their favour.

In the second half San Gwann were reduced to ten players, with Hamrun immediately scoring the second goal which was a real killer blow for San Gwann who are now in deep relegation trouble.

San Gwann dominated the first 20 minutes with Decesare and Achukwu a constant menace to the rather slow Hamrun defenders. After only 60 seconds Achukwu dribbled past two Hamrun defenders but blasted high from the penalty spot.

On ten minutes Arnold Galea tested Cordina following another good Achukwu-Decesare move. Cordina came to Hamrun's rescue in the 22nd minute when he brilliantly deflected a dipper from Arnold Galea.

Hamrun scored in their first real danger a minute later when Stefan Sultana headed backwards for Slavchev to head in from close range. Hamrun insisted on the attack and could have scored again minutes later but this time Slavchev's header hit the crossbar.

Slavchev who played in a midfield position proved to be the Spartans' danger man as he was denied by San Gwann goalkeeper Bartolo following a Fenech long pass.

The second half was less intense with Hamrun dominating their opponents especially after Kurt Micallef was sent off in the 56th minute following a clash with Ryan Fenech.

On 65 minutes Hamrun sealed the issue with the second goal, when Cucciardi, in a very dubious off-side position, scored from close range following a shot from Stefan Sultana.

Following this goal, San Gwann had no more guns to fire and Hamrun coasted home to an easy victory to avenge their first round defeat.