Pieta H-Hamrun S. 1-1

A draw on the final day, was just enough for Pieta Hotspurs to win their battle for salvation and keep their Premier League status. By virtue of Mosta’s draw against Floriana on Friday, the Hotspurs knew survival would be achieved if they took at least one point against Hamrun Spartans, struggling in confidence after being already doomed to the First Division.

Taking the field without the suspended Claudio Calleja, but having Camenzuli back in defence, the Hotspurs looked destined to pick two after the first 45 minutes, as they dominated against inferior opponents after taking an early lead by their industrious midfielder Svetlan Kondev.

But an improved Hamrun side after the restart, managed to pull back a prestigious draw to end their miserable season on a positive note at least.

In fairness, Hamrun were a depleted side yesterday, bereft of several regular players such as keeper Cordina, Mansueto, Sadowski and Spiteri. They also had their two foreigners, Nwankwo and Okoro exiled to the bench.

As expected, Pieta made the better start. It took them only eight minutes to break the deadlock. Deanov did the running on the left flank, sending a teasing cross towards the middle which Svetlan Kondev headed in past keeper Falzon.

The Hotspurs’ perfect start put them firmly in control as they dominated for most of the half.

Keeper Falzon needed to save two successive Deanov efforts before Camilleri shot Deanov’s low cross over towards the quarter hour.

Past the half hour Kondev went past two opponents before unleashing a diagonal shot which keeper Falzon stretched himself to save.

The Hamrun rearguard went through more anxious moments when Kondev played a deft one-two with Camilleri but the Bulgarian sent the final shot wide.

When finally Cucciardi carved an opening in the Pieta defence for Fenech, the latter lofted the ball in front of goal.

Just before the break Camilleri shot low after a good dribble but Falzon was equal to task and blocked.

Hamrun were recharged after the restart. They went close within five minutes after Camenzuli failed to clear a Galea cross from the left but keeper Hogg was superb, blocking Mangion’s close range shot into a corner.

Fenech’s free-kick went past the Pieta wall but Hogg saved.

On 76 minutes, Hamrun drew level. Diego Cucciardi beat Marius’ challenge on Sultana’s cross from the byeline on the left to shoot the ball in the roof of the net at the near post.

Pieta’s confidence suddenly drained and they had to defend grimly for the remaining minutes, putting in both Okoh and youngster Elton Camilleri.

Kondev’s cross shot was tipped over the bar by Falzon and a late Deanov goal was disallowed for a foul on the Hamrun keeper.

The stalemate saved Pieta’s Premiership status as they survive another season in the top flight and condemns Mosta to the First Division.

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Pieta H: A. Hogg, B. Sciberras, M. Deanov, S. Ciscaldi, C. Sammut, A. Spiteri (E. Camilleri), D. Camenzuli (C. Okoh), S. Kondev, D. Gera, F. Marius, R. Camilleri

Hamrun S: M. Falzon, J. Debattista (R. Fenech), P. Ndubisi Ndah, J. Francica, D. Galea, K. Borg, J. Magri Overend, R. Mangion, R. Fenech, S. Sultana, D. Cucciardi

Referee: C. Lautier Asst. refs: N. Debattista, A. Arciola 4th official: A. M. Sant

Scorers: S. Kondev, D. Cucciardi

Yellow cards: D. Cucciardi

Player of the match: Svetlan Kondev (Pieta H)

TMI top three: 1. S. Kondev 2. S. Ciscaldi 3. R. Mangion