Hamrun Spartans gave an impeccable display yesterday against title challengers Gzira United to stay strong at the top of the standings, and oust the Maroons from the title race.

Trailing Hamrun by seven points, Darren Abdilla’s side is now out of contention leaving the title affair to a two-horse race, Hamrun and Hibernians, who cross swords next Saturday in the most important clash of the season.

Gzira had one favourable result result yesterday, that of beating the Spartans to reduce the gap. But frankly were always struggling against a better outfit.

Without Marcelina, Hamrun coach Mark Buttigieg opted from a three-man defence with French import Dielna joining Serrano Valero and Gojkovic.

On the flanks Hamrun can boost of the best two lateral defenders on the island, Joseph Mbong and Juan Corbalan, with both gibving a five star performance, with the latter voted as the player of the match.

Gzira never settled down, and things got worse for them when on 27 minutes Hamrun broke the deadlock with a Sasere deflected shot beating Haber.

Gzira almost levelled matters on 35 minutes but Correa’s drive missied the base of the upright by a whisker.

Before the break Haber was outstanding when he blocked a point blank effort by Doumbia.

In the second half Gzira had long possession of the ball but the Spartans were never in danger.

With eleven minutes to go Hamrun sealed the issue when Soares crossed towards Dielna on the far post and the Frenchman first-timed beautifully home.

In the remaining minutes Gzira thre everything forward and the Spartans defence had some rare anxious moments.

Then on 90 minutes the unexplained happened when Mbong anticipated Steve Borg, but the referee opted incredibly for the penalty which was converted by Martin Davis. 

Photo Domenic Aquilina