Two headed goals by Gaetan Spiteri in the final 12 minutes enabled HamrunSpartans to pull a hard fought and dramatic victory against bottom side Vittoriosa Stars, thus finishing in sixth place to make sure they play in the Championship Pool in the second phase of the Premier League.

Hamrun, who were still deeply embroiled in the relegation battle before kick-off, needed a win, whatever the outcome of the other two matches, played simultaneously, involving Marsaxlokk, Qormi and Sliema Wanderers.

The second half of an enthralling match, which produced five goals, a missed penalty and a sending off, eclipsed the first in terms of goals, excitement and drama.

Vittoriosa cancelled Hamrun’s first half lead and went 2-1 up shortly past the hour, but Hamrun rallied and scored twice, even contriving to miss a penalty, to finally win the mtch.

Besides the still injured Roderick Fenech and Martin Hrubsa, Hamrun also had Massimo Grima and Dean Shields suspended. They gave a debut start to centre back Dragan Milovic, who played alongside Bonnici, with Vukanic and Camilleri wide backs.

Dylan Kokavessis started in attack, supported by Spiteri, Pereira and Falzon.

Vittoriosa’s line-up provided few surprises except that Leighton Grech was exiled to the bench and Alan Tabone started the match instead.

A Chipev drilling shot forced keeper Jean Vella into the first save, as he one-handedly turned the ball into a corner after 11 minutes.

Vittoriosa countered with Silva’s forage down the left. As he went past Milovic, the Brazilian sent an inviting cross for Ewurum, who unattended in front of goal, hit tamely on keeper Borg.

A Ryan Grech shot was deflected into a corner before Hamrun went close from a Mangion corner, fisted out by keeper Vella for Chipev to shoot narrowly wide between the legs of several players.

On 39 minutes, though, Hamrun hit on the break. From a Vukanic clearance, Falzon found ample space in midfield, played the ball wide to Dylan Kokavessis who beat the Stars’ keeper with a rasping shot at the top corner.

The goal sparked an immediate response from Vittoriosa. Edison’s low drive was turned into a corner by keeper Borg, who also had to stretch himself to hold out Wellman’s firm header on the resultant Tabone corner.

On the stroke of halftime, Hamrun went close again. Kokavessis chased a long ball, outplayed the onrushing keeper but was blocked by Wellman and the chance went to waste.

With Sliema and Qormi also winning at halftime, Hamrun needed to win to keep in contention.

Vittoriosa put in Leighton Grech for Ryan Grech for the second eventful period, which produced a lot of drama, twists and turns.

Vittoriosa turned the match on its head with two goals within five minutes. On the hour, Luiz Edison headed Grech’s cross against the upright, the ball rebounded in his path and with the Hamrun keeper still grounded, he shot it in from a tight angle.

Five minutes later, Tabone played the ball forward to Leighton Grech who ran through the static Hamrun defence and slid the ball low past the helpless Borg.

Hamrun were stunned and were also forced to substitute the injured Kokavessis with Lee Agius on 76 minutes.

They also put in Anizoba for Chipev. The substitute was to play a decisive role in Hamrun’s fate as the Spartans staged a remarkable comeback in the last 12 minutes.

On 78 minutes Anizoba provided the cross for Gaetan Spiteri to beat keeper Vella with a soft header and level matters.

Four minutes later we were provided with more drama. Substitute Compagnoli felled Falzon inside the Vittoriosa area to concede a penalty but Marcelo Pereira shot the ball wide.

Hamrun still showed self belief and seven minutes from time, Gaetan Spiteri was allowed to head in yet another Anizoba cross from the left to put them in front.

The final minutes were hectic and tense. Falzon was denied by a Vella superb save and then Leighton Grech was also sent off after protesting too long for his first caution.

At the end all of Hamrun’s relegation worries were over!

Vittoriosa S J. Vella, C. Micallef, J. Chetcuti, S. Wellman, K. Sammut, R. Grech (L. Grech), M. Maccari, J. Silva, A. Tabone (D. Cachia), L. Edison, A. Ewurum (C. Compagnoli)

Coach W. Muscat

Hamrun S O. Borg, S. Bonnici, D. Milovic, J. Vukanic, R. Mangion, D. Camilleri, N. Chipev (P. Anizoba), D. Falzon, M. Pereira (M. Mifsud), G. Spiteri, D. Kokavessis (L. Agius)

Coach S. D’Amato

Referee C. Lautier

Asst.refs W. Debattista, P. Apap

4th official A.M. Sant

Scorers D. Kokavessis 39, L. Edison 60, L. Grech 65, G. Spiteri 78, 83

Yellow cards L. Edison, D. Falzon, L. Grech, C. Compagnoli, M. Mifsud

Red card L. Grech

Player of the match L. Edison (Vittoriosa S)

TMI top 3 1. L. Edison 2. G. Spiteri 3. D. Kokavessis