One of the much anticipated matches of the entire season, the clash between rivals Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta was one of the matches of the first day calendar season 2021/22. So it was a baptism of fire for both sides. And it was the Citizens who prevailed turning defeat into victory with two quick fire goals from Italian striker Mario Fontanella.
Following last year’s success where the Spartans grabbed the ultimate prize after a thirty-year wait, they wanted to make a statement of intent and show everyone that their success was no fluke and that is was just the beginning and not the end.
The side led by coach Mark Buttigieg was active during the past months welcoming goalkeeper Henry Bonello together with Christian Mercieca, Luke Gambin, Nikita Baranov and Faissal El Bakhtaoui. It was only the former who made the starting line up incidentally against his former colleagues.
Matthew Giullaumier was missing for Ħamrun due to injury. In pre-season matches had a mix of results winning against SK Vorwarts, Balzan and Nadur but losing to Birkirkara, Gżira and Mosta.
On the other hand their opponents Valletta following a rather disappointing season are eager to bounce back and confirm their true potential. As is the case of Ħamrun they too were active during the close season. Goalkeeper Guarnone together with Michele
Sansone, Christian Gauci and foreigners Ivan Curjuric, Caio Prado, James Arthur and Milan Jurdik all joined their ranks.
In the pre-season matches, Valletta drew 0-0 with Balzan, defeated Santa Lucia 1-0 and Mosta 4-2, drew 1-1 with Sirens and defeated Mosta 2-1.
On 18 minutes came Valletta’s first chance when a Curjuric free kick just missed the target. Hamrun responded a minute later when off a Soares free kick the ball was played into Mbong’s path but his cross was cleared into a corner by Zerafa anticipating Djordevic who was on hand to fire.
In the 23rd minute a Soares free kick was headed over the bar by Gojkovic. Nearing the end of the first half the Spartans upped their tempo. Seven minutes from the break Mbong found Lagzir whose shot was deflected into a corner. From the resultant Soares corner Sasere blasted over from close range.
Hamrun broke the stalemate in the 42nd minute. It was a Soares free kick which was perfectly headed home by Darko Gojkovic to the delight of the Spartans supporters.
On 58 minutes Hamrun were unlucky when a long range shot by Soares hit the woodwork. Valletta replied through a well taken diagonal free kick by Curjuric which ended inches wide.
Valletta drew level in the 69th minute. Corbalan was adjudged in bringing down Ribeiro in the area and after harsh protests from the Hamrun clan Fontanella blasted home. The Spartans though shocked reacted and three minutes later a good run by Soares ended with his shot just missing out.
The Citizens went in the lead in the 74th minute. A quickly taken free kick by Curjuric found Caio Prado whose cross was perfectly met by a sliding Fontanella who sent the Valletta supporters into raptures.
Till the end Valletta controlled the proceedings and against all odds gained the first three points from a difficult encounter against the reigning Champions.
Photos: Domenic Aquilina
