The point collected from yesterday’s penultimate match against Mosta did not help Hamrun’s cause. In fact, it has contributed to their downfall as they have become the first team to be relegated to next year’s first division.

The Spartans did their best to try and get the three points to maintain their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, but to be fair, it was Mosta who appeared the team more likely to score.

In the first half, Mosta appeared to be more adventurous and had the better chances.

In the second half, Mosta again had an aggressive start, but the Spartans held on admirably and found time to move forward in search of goal, though they onlky came near to scoring on one occasion.

In the initial stages, Newell and Falzon had shots blocked by Falzon before Hamrun threatened through an Nwankwo effort which went over after he had received a good pass from Spiteri.

To Mosta, however, fell the best chance on 33 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Kevin Borg floored Nwoko. But from the spotkick, Chibueze saw his shot being excellently saved by Falzon.

Soon after, Hamrun almost scored when off a Ryan Fenech cross, Jonathan Caruana almost cleared into his own net. But the ball just missed the upright.

Two minutes from the interval, Udo Nwoko weaved his way beautifully past three Hamrun defenders, but his final effort was turned to corner in style by Falzon.

Mosta dominated for long stretches in the second half. But Hamrun defended grimly and with purpose. In fact, the Blues only threatened on 60 minutes through a P. Camilleri dipper which Falzon did well to turn to corner.

Hamrun replied through a Sultana header on 75 minutes, but Bartolo saved the day for Mosta, clearing off the line.

On 81 minutes, Falzon was again called into action saving a point blank effort from Matthew Borg.

The Spartans fought on bravely till the very end, but Mosta were solid at the back and they have now joined Pieta on 15 points, one behind Floriana.

As for the unlucky Spartans, I take this opportunity to wish them a speedy return to the Premier League.