Hibernians scored two goals in the second half to beat a generous Hamrun Spartans, to keep themselves at the top, joint leaders with Sliema Wanderers who won afterwards. However the Paolites’ performance was far from convincing yesterday, as the side guided by Robert Gatt only showed flashes of good stuff after taking a two-goal lead.

Hamrun still fresh from their important victory against Pieta, gave their more fancied opponents a good run for their money, but were found lacking in attack, and had no remedy for Hibernians’ lead.

Hibernians had a handful of players below their usual standard. Terence Scerri was surely their best player and had the great merit of breaking the deadlock at the start of the second half.

Adrian Pulis was solid at the back, whilst youngster Julian Vella showed his potential by scoring a gem of a goal that killed all the Spartans’ residual hopes.

Both sides started the match with a couple of note-able absences. Ivan Zammit was missing for the Spartans serving a suspension, together with the other suspended player, midfield maestro Rupert Mangion. On the other hand Hibernians had Aaron Xuereb and Haruna Doda on the substitute’s bench.

The Spartans had veteran Stefan Sultana in attack with Gaetan Spiteri, with Okoro, Fenech, Mansueto and Kevin Borg in midfield. Their defence, marshalled by an in-form Magri Overend, was kept under pressure by Terence Scerri and Andrew Cohen. Sadowski kept a constant watch on Cohen with Ndubisi Ndah keeping an eye on Scerri.

Missing Xuereb at the back, coach Robert Gatt had David Camilleri, Adrian Pulis and Kenneth Spiteri at the back, supported on the flanks by Clayton Failla and Edmond Agius. Mbong, Peter Pullicino and the promising Ben Camilleri, covered acres of the field, but were not very efficient when trying to serve their strikers.

Hamrun had their first try at goal on four minutes and were rather unlucky not to take a surprise lead when a Ryan Fenech curling freekick, deceived Muscat who managed to save with the aid of the crossbar.

Minutes later it was Hibs’ turn to be dangerous when Terence Scerri fired a dipper from the edge of the area with Cordina effecting a splendid save. On 13 minutes a good Ben Camilleri move with the ball coming to the ever-present Scerri who shot slightly over the bar.

Peter Pullicino effected a good run minutes later, and crossed to the unmarked Terence Scerri, whose shot was blocked by defender Sadowski.

On 25 minutes Gaetan Spiteri perforated the Hibs’ rearguard with a good run only to be floored just outside the area by Kenneth Spiteri. From the resultant freekick the same Gaetan Spiteri blasted over the bar. Two minutes later Edmond Agius could only shoot weakly at goal from a rather good position.

Essien Mbong tried his luck from long range but he missed the target. On 36 minutes Ryan Fenech tested Muscat from 20 metres. With five minutes to go Hamrun had their appeals for a penalty turned down by the referee when Gaetan Spiteri was floored by Kenneth Spiteri.

For the second half, Hibernians introduced Julian Vella for Clayton Failla, and with the strong wind behind their backs took an immediate lead. Cordina had to turn into a corner a dangerous Cohen freekick, and from the second corner again taken by Cohen, the Hamrun failed to clear and Terence Scerri hammered home from the heart of the penalty area.

On 55 minutes Hamrun had a good chance but Mario Muscat tipped into a corner Okoro’s half volley. Hamrun Spartans made three substitutions at one go on 64 minutes and a minute later Hibernians sealed the issue when substitute Julian Vella scored a breath-taking goal from an acute angle.

This was a severe blow for the Spartans even though Muscat had to dive to save a Cucciardi grounder. On 75 minutes Andrew Cohen shot over the bar with the Spartans’ defence completely off-guard.

The last chance came Scerri’s way but his header went over the bar.

Hamrun S: J. Cordina, J. Magri Overend, S. Sadowski, P. Ndah Ndubisi (C. Nwankwo 64’), K. Borg, M. Okoro, A. Mansueto, R. Fenech, D. Galea, S. Sultana (D. Cucciardi 64’), G. Spiteri (J. Debattista 64’).

Hibernians: M. Muscat, P. Pullicino (A. Xuereb 71’), K. Spiteri, A. Pulis, E. Mbong, T. Scerri, A. Cohen, C. Failla (J. Vella 46’), B. Camilleri, E. Agius (J. Pearson 55’), D. Camilleri.

Referee: C. Pisani, asst. refs: P. Agius, S. Tanti, 4th official: A.M. Sant

Scorers: T. Scerri, J. Vella

Yellow cards: K. Spiteri, E. Mbong

Player of the match: Terence Scerri (Hibernians)

TMI top three: 1. T. Scerri 2. A. Pulis 3. J. Magri Overend