A brilliant Hamrun Spartans side outclassed Valletta beating them 4-2, to go overtake the same Citizens in the table. It was a five-star performance for the Spartans who had in Gaetan Spiteri and Okoro their shining duo in attack, with Valletta only managing to score their goals in injury time.

But it was a collective effort as the Spartans outclassed their opponents who had an off-day. Apart from Spiteri and Okoro, the Spartans were near to perfection in all departments never giving away an inch.

On the other hand it was a dismal display for Valletta, who finished the match with ten players and even missed a penalty. Ndubisi Chukunyere was a pale shadow of the player that once graced the Ta’ Qali surface with Hibernians, even though he managed to score Valletta’s second goal. But it was too late as Valletta lost a rather decisive match in their quest to avoid the relegation pool.

Valletta started on the offensive with Mark Galea playing his heart out, but Valletta had nothing to show for all their initial verve, except for a Massimo Grima free-kick.

On the other hand the Spartans, took hold of the midfield sector, with Fenech, Mangion and Magri-Overend, overpowering Keith Fenech and Jonathan Bondin.

On 15 minutes Hamrun gave their first warning with a good Spiteri move on the left flank and his cross was met by Okoro whose shot went over the bar. Two minutes later Sullivan had to charge out of his position to block Spiteri who was put through by a Nisevic back-header.

On 22 minutes the Spartans appealed for a penalty as Bezzina pulled down Spiteri inside the area, but the referee waved play-on.

On 25 minutes Hamrun took a deserved lead when Okoro passed to Gaetan Spiteri who beat Sullivan with a low shot.

The Spartans were now in full command of proceedings with Valletta unable to offer a decent reaction. Coach JJ Aquilina introduced Gilbert Agius for a surprisingly disappointing Steven Bezzina, but the Citizens were not dangerous apart from a near own goal by ex-player Ivan Zammit, in an attempt to clear a dangerous Grima cross.

Valletta piled the pressure in the second half but only went close with a spectacular half-volley by Gilbert Agius.

However on 59 minutes Hamrun doubled the score with a brilliant counter attack by Okoro who passed to the unmarked Spiteri who easily scored his brace.

Five minutes later Hamrun were on velvet with Spiteri doing all the spade work before passing to Okoro who fired into the net.

Valletta had a good chance to score a consolation goal when Agius was floored by Debattista, but Ian Zammit missed from the spot shooting incredibly wide.

With fourteen minutes remaining Rupert Mangion added to Valletta’s misery when he shot home from inside the area.

Valletta finished their dismal evening with ten players when Forace was sent off for elbowing an opponent.

However in injury Gilbert Agius scored with a close range shot, and two minutes later Chukunyere managed to head in an Agius corner.

Hamrun S: J. Cordina, S. Sadowski, I. Zammit, P. Ndah Ndubisi, , R. Fenech (D. Galea), R. Mangion, M. Okoro, C. Nwonkwo (S. Sultana), G. Spiteri, J. Debattista, J. Magri Overend (K. Borg).

Valletta: S. Sullivan, K. Cassar, S. Pace, B. Nisevic, S. Bezzina (G. Agius), M. Grima (D. Zarb), R. Forace, K. Fenech, J. Bondin (I. Zammit), N. Chukunyere, M. Galea.

Referee: C. Pisani asst refs: P. Agius, S. Tanti 4th official: K. Azzopardi.

Scorers: G. Spiteri 2, M. Okoro, R. Mangion, G. Agius, N. Chukunyere

Yellow cards: S. Bezzina, J. Debattista, N. Chukunyere, D. Galea, D. Zarb

Red card: R. Forace

Player of the match: Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun Spartans)

TMI top three: 1. G. Spiteri, 2. M. Okoro 3. M. Galea