Hamrun Spartans closed the gap on league leaders Mqabba thanks to a solitary goal win over Mosta in yesterday’s thrilling match at Kordin.

The Spartans are now ready for next Wednesday’s top of the table clash with the league leaders as both sides look set to reach the Premier.

The match was played at an impressive pace with Hamrun creating more especially in the first half where they dominated. However Mosta came back strongly in the second half and could have snatched an equaliser.

Rupert Mangion was above the rest, but players like Ryan Fenech, Evano Briffa and star striker Stev Meilak were all in excellent shape. Special mention must be made of goalkeeper Falzon who saved his side with an amazing save off a Camilleri effort.

Mosta gave their hearts out, but this was not enough yesterday against the in-form Hamrun. Ewurun was Mosta’s disappointment as the Blues were let down by their striker who had an off day.

Mosta had their first attempt at goal on six minutes when Melvin Farrugia’s shot was saved with difficulty by Michael Falzon. Two minutes later from a Ryan Fenech cross Steve Meilak headed towards goal but goalkeeper Galea blocked with his outstretched feet.

On 12 minutes Hamrun took the lead when Steve Meilak received a long ball from defence and penetrated inside the Mosta defence to beat Galea with a low shot.

Hamrun were now playing some first class football and Gaetan Spiteri’s header was well saved by Galea to avoid a certain goal.

On 16 minutes Mosta hit back with a good shot on the turn by Ryan Deguara with the ball going over the bar. Mosta had a good spell as they pushed forward in search of the equaliser.

However Gaetan Spiteri showed all his class on 32 minutes beating two defenders before testing Galea with an angled shot.

Just before the break Hamrun lost a sitter when Gaetan Spiteri headed wide with an open goal at his mercy.

The second half started on a slower pace, with Hamrun making the first attempt through a Gaetan Spiteri pass towards Evano Briffa who was blocked by a desperate Galea sortie.

On the hour substitute Ives Bilocca hit the side netting following a corner action. Ten minutes later the Spartans should have wrapped up the match with an Evano Briffa shot going over the bar and with a Rupert Mangion close range shot that was again well saved by Galea.

The last minutes were extremely exciting with Mosta creating havoc in the Spartans rearguard. Hamrun goalkeeper Falzon made the best save of the match denying Philip Camilleri from close range. Mosta even had appeals for a penalty turned down when Ryan Deguara was floored inside the area.

The last minutes were intense with Mosta desperately forward and Hamrun defending with all their might. However Marinov’s boys withstood the pressure to grab three precious points ahead of the much awaited match against Mqabba.