Marsaxlokk were back in the groove yesterday after their reverse against Birkirkara the previous week. They brushed aside Hamrun Spartans’ tame challenge, with two early goals paving the way and a second half penalty assuring their victory as Hamrun had partially reduced the deficit before halftime.

Hamrun, with a patched-up look, missing the services of Monye, Mangion and Sultana, and with their coach Marco Gerada suspended, were still left seeking their first win in the second phase of a campaign that never looked likely to take off yesterday on an afternoon of messy football.

Marsaxlokk were bereft of three regulars, namely Frendo, Conceicao and the suspended Madzar, having only four players on the bench. Wellman started the match, partnering Alcorse in attack, as Pullicino and Barbara were also given the nod.

The champions had the best of the early exchanges and could scarcely have made more promising and productive start as they were two up already by the first 20 minutes.

Julio Alcorse’s tame header on Sammut’s cross from the right, slipped off keeper Sullivan’s grasp to give Marsaxlokk the lead after 12 minutes.

Hardly four minutes later, William Camenzuli left the Hamrun keeper rooted to his line as he placed an exquisite free kick from some 25 metres out at the top right hand corner.

Marsaxlokk appeared at that stage to have the edge in power and confidence and deserved their lead as they had shown better intentions and played slicker football.

Hamrun looked jittery and disjointed, slow in their build-ups and lacked conviction when going forward, through their lone striker Effiong.

The Spartans were handed a lifeline though past the half hour when a short defensive clearance by Marsaxlokk on a Ryan Fenech corner from the right, allowed Diego Cucciardi to beat keeper Debono from close range.

Hamrun substituted Bonnici with Cacciatolo for the second half as they probed for an equaliser, although they remained equally impotent going forward.

However the best chances of a scrappy second half fell to Marsaxlokk. Pace chested a good Wellman pass but shot over the bar when standing on the penalty spot. Towards the hour, Wellman’s header on Sammut’s free kick, was well blocked by keeper Sullivan.

On 68 minutes Pace again tested the Hamrun keeper, repelling his powerful shot from a distance.

The issue was put beyond doubt on 75 minutes as Marsaxlokk were awarded a penalty when Sammut was floored by Roderick Fenech inside the area, after going past substitute Debattista. Julio Alcorse stepped up to beat Sullivan for the second time in the match.

The Spartans went close soon after but Cacciatolo’s golbound effort was cleared on the line by Camenzuli, with keeper Debono beaten.

On the other end, Sullivan stretched himself to hold out Wellman’s grounder before the Marsaxlokk forward was substituted.

And in added time, an effort by substitute Agius was deflected into a corner by Conceicao as the champions defended their lead with minimal difficulty.

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Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Mamo, C. Magro, W. Camenzuli, J. Pace, K. Sammut, S. Wellman (S. Tellus), P. Pullicino, J. Alcorse, T. Templeman (M. Licari), M. Barbara (R. Conceicao)

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

Referee: J. Attard asst.refs: K. Borg, P. Rapa 4th official: S. Tanti

Scorers: J. Alcorse (2) 1 pen, W. Camenzuli, D. Cucciardi

Player of the match: Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1.W. Camenzuli 2. K. Sammut 3. Ryan Fenech