Hamrun Spartans demolished front runners Mqabba in the top of the table clash, to go on top of the table for the first time this season.

After a slow start, Marinov's boys were in a class of their own especially after scoring the first goal. Much more was expected from Mqabba in this match. However credit goes to Hamrun who had in Rupert Mangion, Gaetan Spiteri and Steve Meilak three outstanding stars.

Mqabba were the better team in the first half, especially in the first half an hour. Cocks had a good chance but he blasted over the bar while John Paul Muscat had a good run on the right but his shot was blocked by Falzon.

On 25 minutes Ribic robbed the ball off Timotic but Falzon denied the Mqabba striker with a splendid save. Five minutes later Hamrun had their first open scoring chance when Ryan Fenech headed over the bar from an ideal position. However the Spartans took the lead on 37 minutes when Gaetan Spiteri headed in a Mangion freekick from the right.

The second half started on a low key, with Mqabba going near through a Cocks scorcher that was well saved by Falzon. A minute later Hamrun were on velvet when Meilak was brought down by goalkeeper Calleja and from the resultant penalty Rupert Mangion made no mistake with a low shot.

On 65 minutes Hamrun added a third when Spiteri created havoc in the Mqabba defence before passing to the unmarked Steve Meilak who easily planted the ball at the back of the net.

Near the end substitute Gilbert Scerri was sent off for dissent.