Hamrun Spartans 1

Mosta FC 1

Hamrun and Mosta shared the spoils in a tight match which offered little spectacle but which came alive in the second half although the point was actually deserved for both sides.

Hamrun Spartans hoped to extend their unbeaten run in the Relegation Pool as they took on Mosta. The Spartans won three out of the five matches played so far in the second phase.

They disappointed in their last outing and needed to improve their performance if they were aiming to take home the three points. Gaetan Spiteri returned for the Spartans after serving a one-match ban but Matthew Gauci was suspended.

Mosta won their last two matches, defeating Marsaxlokk and Qormi, and were eyeing a third successive win which would have put them in second place in the Relegation Pool. The Blues could not count on Predrag Mirceta as he was suspended.

Hamrun started strongly and on three minutes they could have taken the lead when Sammut entered the box but his effort hit the side netting. Mosta replied with a hopeful effort by Obifuele which went just over the bar. Sammut had another low shot a minute later which was well saved by Debono.

Mosta came close on 13 minutes when a shot by Obifuele ended up just wide. The Blues seemed to be doing all the running and on 20 minutes, Martin weaved his way into the box only to screw his shot well over the bar with his effort.

Obifeuele came close on 33 minutes with a fine angled effort which was well saved by Borg as Mosta continued pushing forward.

Hamrun had a good chance to take the lead on 36 minutes when an interchange between Grima and Sammut saw the former head just over from close range. Another chance went begging on 40 minutes when Tisbi tried his luck from outside the box but Borg was equal to the shot.

The second half again began with Mosta on the offensive and on 47 minutes, Falzon had a fine dipping shot which ended up just wide. And on 64 minutes it was Mosta who finally took the lead when Falzon managed to break away and square to Bajada who smashed home from close range.

But Hamrun hit back within three minutes when Ribeiro struck with a fine angled shot which gave Debono no chance. The game sort of quietened down after that flurry of goals with both sides adopting a more cautious approach.

Hamrun had a glorious chance to take the lead on 80 minutes when Zammit passed to Mangion in the box but the latter’s effort was well saved by Debono.

Hamrun Spartans FC: O Borg, G Calabretta, D Camilleri, S Bonnici, R Hartwig, M Grima, LJ Agius (R Mangion), D Zerafa, A M Ribeiro, G Spiteri, K Sammut

Mosta FC: J Debono, A Borg, F Tisbi, Y Ossok, F Raimy, A Cini, J Bajada, K Magro, D Falzon (I Zammit), G Martin (S Grech), O Obifuuele

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Scorers: Bajada J 64’, Ribeiro 67’

Yellow cards: Bonnici, Camilleri

BOV Player of the Match: J Bajada (Mosta)

TMI Top 3: 1. Bajada, 2. Obifuele, 3. Grima