Joseph Mbong scored a brace, a goal in each half to give Hamrun Spartans a deserved victory over league leaders Sliema.

Hamrun Spartans sounded the warning yesterday, confirming they have all the potential to take the title back to Hamrun after a 30-year wait.

The Spartans moved temporarily on top of the standings equal on points with Sliema who yesterday suffered their third defeat of the season.

Sliema looked the better team in the opening minutes of the game, with Hamrun playing the waiting game, until the 14th minutes when Hamrun made their first real break in attack with Soares passing towards Mbong who controlled well befor hitting past the helpless Galea.

It was another game from then onwards with Hamrun growing in confidence and tactically well disciplined, and with Sliema losing all their usual composure.

Comvalius never put a foot right, and Cisotti and Kakinuma ineffective on the flanks. Gilmar played to much on his own and his contribution to the team was minimal.

On the other hand the Spartans were solid at the back with Serrano and Gojkovic never giving away an inch, and had Marcelina in great form in midfield.

But Soares stole the show for the Spartans with his runs always creating havoc for the Blues.

Just before the break Mbong passed towards Soares who was foiled by a Galea great save.

In the opening fifteen minutes of the second half Sliema gave their best. Cisotti started to move better on the left and Gilmar missed an easy chance hitting wide.

Gilmar even hit the crossbar from a Comvalius cross, with the latter starting from a highliy dubious offside position.

Jake Galea kept the Wanderers in the game with some good saves especially on a Djordjevic drive.

But on 85 minutes it was all over when Djordjevic floated a perfect cross for Mbong to head beautifully home.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina