Msida deservedly beat Hamrun with the odd goal in three, bringing the Spartans down to earth after their emphatic win against Valletta.

Hamrun supported by their numerous and loyal fans, had to bow their head to a superior outfit. Msida never gave in, even after suffering a spectacular Gaetan Spiteri goal.

Msida won the match in midfield with Paul Fenech, Rodrick Bajada and Charles Sciberras above the rest. Paul Fenech produced some great stuff with his neat dribbling, whilst Bajada and Sciberras gave their hearts out, with the latter even scoring the equaliser.

Babatunde and Nwoke were not in their usual devastating form, with Nwoke having a relatively quiet afternoon.

The Spartans disappointed especially in defence, where many a times they panicked under pressure. Some slipshod clearances helped Msida in no small way and the first goal they suffered could have easily been avoided.

Msida were better on the pitch and they had a promising start with Babatunde anticipating Cordina, but his header went wide. On 18 minutes Magri Overend tested Omar Borg with a central drive, and three minutes later, Gaetan Spiteri pounced an an Msida defensive blunder, but Omar Borg saved his side with a desperate sortie.

On 23 minutes Babatunde’s shot on the turn was well saved by Cordina, and on the other end Hamrun Spartans forged ahead. Okoro nodded down to Gaetan Spiteri who first timed beautifully in the top corner of the net, for a great goal.

Hamrun had a good spell following this goal with Okoro missing a easy header in front of goal.

On 39 minutes, Hamrun goalkeeper Cordina effected two great saves off Nwoke and Sciberras, but he could do nothing three minutes later. The Hamrun defence gave a away a corner, and from the resultant kick they failed to adequately clear, with the ball running to Charles Sciberras who home with a grounder. The first half finished with a Ryan Fenech long distance shot going over the bar.

In the second half Msida were more dominant and held the initiative for long stretches.

On 52 minutes Bajada crossed to Babatunde who headed wide from an ideal position. On 63 minutes David Carabott floated a perfect cross from a freekick, but Nwoke’s header left much to be desired.

However Msida were not to be denied what proved to be the winner on 64 minutes. Babatunde did all the spade work on the right flank and crossed to Paul Fenech, who nipped in and beautifully first-timed in the low corner of the net.

Hamrun’s best chance came seven minutes from time when substitute Briffa’s scorcher was blocked by Borg, who to dive in Spiteri’s feet to block a sure goal from the rebound.

Msida SJ: O. Borg, D. Theuma, J. Mifsud, D. Carabott, T. Farrugia, R. Bajada (D. Gatt), P. Fenech, C. Sciberras (C. Micallef), D. Cachia, I. Babatunde, D. Nwoke (S. Tagliaferro).

Hamrun S: J. Cordina, S. Sadowski (E. Briffa), C. Nwankwo (A. Mansueto), M. Okoro, G. Spiteri, P. Ndubisi Ndah, J. Magri Overend, J. Debattista, R. Fenech, I. Zammit, R. Mangion (K. Borg)

Scorers: G. Spiteri, C. Sciberras, P. Fenech

Referee: K. Azzopardi, asst.refs: K. Borg, J. Rapa, 4th official: L. Sammut

Yellow cards: J. Mifsud, D. Carabott, P. Ndah Ndubisi, J. Magri Overend.

Player of the match: Ibrahim Babatunde (Msida)

TMI top three: 1. P. Fenech, 2. I. Babatunde, 3. R. Bajada