HAMRUN SPARTANS 2

FLORIANA 1

Hamrun Spartans could yesterday savour a very important win over Floriana in a contest of little skill, which however lifts them to sixth place, on equal points with Birkirkara and two above Hibernians, with the direct clash between the two next in the offing.

Although short of style up front, depleted Hamrun’s battling qualities could not be faulted as they managed to bounce back and win the match after falling behind.

Ryan Fenech beavered away industriously in midfield, and Effiong made the movement in attack, as the towering presence of Timotic and Monye, dominated the Spartans’ defence.

Floriana went into this match already assured of a top-six finish, courtesy of Hibernians’ defeat by Msida SJ last Saturday. They could afford to leave some regulars, such as Briffa, Micallef and Brincat on the bench, giving starts to Eboh, Pisani and Christian Caruana. Defender Ciantar was serving a one-match ban but Bolasie was back in the side after missing the last match for the same reason.

By contrast Hamrun Spartans needed to win this match to keep their flickering hopes of making it to the Championship Pool still alive. Their cause was undermined by the suspension of key players Rupert Mangion and Gaetan Spiteri as well as injuries to keeper Falzon, Attard, Briffa and Sultana. Coach Gerada modified his tactical set-up with Monye and Timotic in central defence and Roderick Fenech as the anchor man in front of them. Meilak and Galea were given rare starts. Mark Anthony Bonnici played in midfield.

The Spartans did all the early running but lacked invention and although their attacks had been plentiful in a tepid first half, they were predictable, lacking the slightest hint of penetration.

Even when Floriana lost possession in midfield and Ryan Fenech could make inroads towards goal, he failed to put his shot on target.

Floriana, ably controlling the proceedings, came up with a threat of their own on the half hour. Cassar’s curling free kick clipped the bar. On 38 minutes, Levniac beat the Hamrun rearguard as he chased a long ball forward and went inside the area, only for keeper Sullivan to block his shot.

Hamrun went closest on the stroke of halftime when Effiong headed Meilak’s cross against the bar but the assistant was quick to flag the striker’s offside position.

Floriana were the first to threaten after resumption. Caruana controlled Bolasie’s cross inside the area but Sullivan saved his shot on the turn.

On the other end, Timotic headed tamely Monye’s free kick in the keeper’s safe hands.

Past the hour Monye shot Fenech’s short free kick over before Floriana made the breakthrough on 69 minutes. Yala Bolasie latched onto Cilia’s deep cross and after advancing on the left, he beat keeper Sullivan with a low diagonal strike.

The Floriana fans were still acclaiming their success when within three minutes Hamrun drew level. The Floriana rearguard stopped for offside as Ryan Fenech’s cross fell to the unmarked Alfred Effiong inside the area but as the flag did not go up, the Hamrun striker coolly beat the helpless Agius.

Hamrun kept the upperhand and put in Cucciardi for Borg. On 77 minutes they won a corner after Agius had saved Ryan Fenech’s effort and from the latter’s ensuing flag kick, his brother Roderick anticipated the Floriana’ keeper to head the ball in.

The Spartans grew in confidence, sensing a precious win and defended grimly their minimal lead as Floriana crafted a late assault which even had Bolasie’s header brushing the upright deep into added time.

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Hamrun S: S. Sullivan, M.A. Bonnici, P. Monye, K. Borg (D. Cucciardi), Roderick Fenech, S. Meilak, Ryan Fenech, J. Debattista (L. Agius), N. Galea, B. Timotic, A. Effiong

Floriana: S. Agius, D. Pisani (M. Brincat), S. Eboh, D. Krsteski, O. Bugeja, T. Cilia (M. Micallef), C. Casar, Z. Levniac, Y. Bolasie, C. Caruana, R. Darmanin

Referee: K. Azzopardi Asst.refs: K. Borg, E. Spiteri 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: Y. Bolasie, A. Effiong, Roderick Fenech

Yellow cards: P. Monye, C. Caruana, Z. Levniac

Player of the match: Ryan Fenech (Hamrun S)

TMI top three: 1. B. Timotic 2. Y. Bolasie 3. Ryan Fenech