Champions Hamrun Spartans and Floriana battled it out to a 2-2 draw yesterday at the National Stadium, a result that favours league leaders Hibernians who maintain their advantage over the same Floriana and Hamrun

For the Greens it was an even better result having kept their three-point advantage over the champions when playing the last minutes of the match with a man less. The match did not disappoint in the second half after a very dull first half.

The result can be considered as a fair one as neither side deserved to leave the field empty handed. Floriana without three key players all suspended, had a better start and took the lead on twelve minutes when new signing Hovsepyan passed towards Rebenja whose cross from the right was met by Ryan Camenzuli who shot home from close range.

The Spartans had no reaction with Floriana pressing for more, but Bonello was never in danger. In the last part of the first half Hamrun held the edge and the initiative but Floriana goalkeeper Kitanov had a very easy first half.

In the second half Hamrun coach Mark Buttigieg introduced Ailton Soares for Marcelina and the Spartans immediately looked a different proposition. However the Greens almost doubled the score on 56 minutes when a Brandon Paiber freekick was tipped by Bonello against the upright.

Hamrun drew level three minutes later when Gambin’s cross was met by Soares whose precise header finished at the back of the net on the far post beyond Kitanov’s reach. On 65 minutes Floriana were back in front when Hovsepyan slalomed his way in the Hamrun penalty area beating four defenders in the process before beating Bonello with a low drive.

But Floriana’s second lead lasted only about sixty seconds as Hamrun drew level when El Bakthaoui passed towards Sasere who fired low past Kitanov. The match was now bubbling with Spartans having a slight edge.

Soares missed a good opportunity heading feebly in front of goal and at the other end Magri Overend failed to connect in front of goal. On 84 minutes El Hasni received a second booking and Floriana were down to ten men.

Hamrun pushed forward in the remaining minutes with Kitanov saving the day for the Greens with a brilliant save off a Djodjevic first-timer.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina