Ħamrun Spartans registered a much needed win when in a tricky encounter they defeated Gudja United by three goals to one. It was a deserved win for Ħamrun who were the best team on the day and dominated for long stretches.   

The Spartans went into this match after losing four out of their first six matches of the campaign. In fact in their last outing they lost against Gżira United in a keenly contested match.

Their opponents Gudja were also on the receiving end when they lost to in form Birkirkara by two goals to nil. This defeat came after a good win against Valletta before play was halted due to the international committments of the National Team.

Igor Dudarev was missing through suspension for Gudja United. On the other hand the Spartans were missing notably Dodo Soares and Henry Bonello, long term injuries for Ħamrun. But Guillaumier after making a substitute appearance in their last match was given a starting role.

On 11 minutes Gudja had their first chance when Mensah set Temitope but the latters diagonal shot missed the target. In the 26th minute following a good passing patch by the Ħamrun players an Oyama shot went inches wide.

On the half hour a golden chance for Gudja United when Mensah found himself with only Sanchez to beat following a moment of hesitation in the Spartans rearguard but the Ghanian forward saw the Stripes goalkeeper save his try.

Five minutes from the change of ends an Oyama free kick sailed just over the bar. But a minute before the break Ħamrun broke the deadlock. A long ball from Oyama found El Bakhtaoui who after making his way past Soares fired a shot past Zammit for Ħamrun’s opener.

Three minutes into the second half Gudja went near with Mensah setting Temitope in the area but the Irish attacked took some time to conclude and the danger was cleared into a corner.

On the other end in the 55th minute Guillaumier found Mbong and the Malta international with only Zammit to beat blasted the ball over the bar.

Just past the hour Soares was pressed by El Bakhtaoui with the Brazilian bringing him down in the area and from the resultant penalty Arthur Oyama made no mistake.

Twelve minutes from the end of the match Ħamrun sealed the issue. Mbong crossed towards El Bakhtaoui whose shot from inside the area was turned into his own net by Farid Romero.

Six minutes from time Gudja scored a consolation goal through a beautiful shot from the edge of the area by Friggieri.

Photo Domenic Aquilina