Hamrun Spartans obtained their first win of the season against run away leaders Mqabba. For Mqabba who were without defender Mauro Bonnici and midfielder Marlon Briffa, these were the first points lost after three consecutive wins.

Hamrun’s win was a deserved one as they were the better team all round even if they panicked in the dying minutes of the game. Mqabba were a pale shadow of the team that impressed in the first three outings. They should try to forget this match and try to recover quickly if they still wish to fulfil their promotion dream.

The first half was a drab affair, with the Spartans surprisingly more alert than their opponents. In fact the league leaders were on the defensive for a large part of the first 45 minutes. Their attacking tandem made up of Chibueze and Nicolo’ Baldacchino failed to impress, as both were constantly shadowed by Timotic and Roderick Fenech.

Even John Paul Muscat was in subdued form as he never managed to make his way past the Hamrun defenders.

The Spartans were without veteran striker Stefan Sultana, but had back in attack Gaetan Spiteri who missed the last two matches for the Spartans.

The start was very promising as the Spartans went close after only three minutes with a good Rupert Mangion grounder slightly missing the base of the upright. But it was not to be as the match never went above the boring level.

Just before the break a Roderick Fenech header went slightly over the bar.

The second half started with an Mqabba shot by Southward going over the bar. On 59 minutes Hamrun took the lead when Ryan Fenech headed in an Evano Briffa freekick. Hamrun controlled with ease Mqabba’s sterile reaction. Mqabba kept constant pressure but Hamrun were always first on the ball and never gave away an inch.

On 72 minutes Hamrun went very close with a well orchestrated move with Meilaq passing to Spiteri whose shot was well blocked by Calleja.

The goal was in the air and three minutes later Hamrun scored their second with Mangion passing to Meilaq who slotted in from close range.

Mqabba’s reaction was now desperate rather than logical, and Chibueze headed slightly wide from close range. On 79 minutes Chibueze did manage to find the back of the net after receiving from substitute Anastasi to reduce the arrears.

Mqabba’s last desperate efforts paid no dividends and Hamrun managed to obtain their first win of the season.