Hamrun outclassed rivals Valletta in a one sided affair, beating the Citizens 3-0, with striker Franklin Sasere scoring all the goals.

This was a much awaited match between two teams who dominated the 80s and 90s creating a rivalry which is still alive some fourty years later. But unfortunately this was a no contest with Valletta in a sorry state, and with the Spartans bubbling with enthusiasm.

Hamrun dominated from start to finish, with their goalkeeper Bartolo having an easy ninety minutes as Valletta failed to hit a decent shot at goal. On the other end the Valletta custodian Henry Bonello was surely the best player for the Citizens, avoiding a heavier punishment.

Valletta were not lucky either, forced to make to substitutions inside the first twenty five minutes, but coach Cardoso Mendes really has some problems to solve as Valletta were outplayed in all aspects by a better team.

Hamrun were without their midfield maestro Marcelina who was suspended after being sent off against Santa Lucia, and also without coach Mark Buttigieg who was also sent off against Santa Lucia.

After barely ninety seconds play Hamrun had their first scoring opportunity with Ailton Soares testing Bonello who saved well. On 14 minutes Valletta were forced to make their first substitution when Jean Borg limped off and was substituted by Ryan Camilleri.

Hamrun enjoyed territorial superiority in the opening quarter of the match and on 20 minutes forged ahead when Soares beat his opponent on the left and crossed low to the far post with Sasere nipping in to score from close range.

Vallette were anything but lucky at this stage as on 25 minutes the Citizens had to make their second forced substitution with Eslit Sala coming in for the injured Pena Beltre. Hamrun continued to dictate with Valletta struggling to get somewhere near goalkeeper Bartolo.

Hamrun’s superiority however was not turned into scoring actions with the Spartans’ only opportunity on 42 minutes with Soares blasting high from an ideal position.

Two minutes into the second half the Valletta defence was caught on the wrong foot in a Spartans fast break with Bonello blocking his effort. On 53 minutes Ryan Camilleri lost the ball in midfield with Mbong running towards goal but Bonello was again outstanding keeping his side in the game with a great save.

However on 65 minutes Bonello could do nothing as Sasere was put through by an inch perfect pass from Djordjevic, and the Hamrun striker made no mistake to score his second goal of the match.

The match was now dead and buried with Valletta trying to play in the Spartans’ half, but they lacked punch and creativity. Nine minutes from time Hamrun’s triumph was complete with Ailton Soares again stretching Valletta’s defence to the limit before passing towards Sasere on the far post, and the latter made no mistake to notch his hat-trick and bring his total tally to twelve goals this season.