Jefferson De Assis scored three goals inside the space of seven minutes to lead Gzira to a stunning and crushing victory over champions Hamrun Spartans. The match sparked off in the second half after a rather dull first fourty five minutes. On the resumption Hamrun took an early lead but Gzira hit back with De Assis’s hat-trick and then late in the game the cherry n the cake for Gzira with Maia’s fourth goal.

This was the first match for the Spartans since the departure of Matthew Guillaumier who was replaced by Fedele, who in flashes left a good impression. But the Spartans’ weakness was in defence with gaping holes and some blunders not worthy of champions.

The first half was rather balanced with Hamrun having a slight edge and with both teams having a glorious scoring opportunity. Gzira were unlucky when a mendoza long ball found Maxwell Maia, who darted forward and managed to get before goalkeeper Bonello but his lob hit the crossbar.

On the other end Hamrun missed a sitter when Franklin Sasere was put through but all alone in front of goal saw his central drive blocked by Zarkov.

Sasere made amends five minutes into the second half when he was brilliantly put through by Soares, and this time Sasere made no mistake shooting low into the net. But the Spartans’ joy was shortlived as two minutes later the Maroons drew level.

A defensive blunder by a hesitant Gojkovic who was anticipated by Steve Pisani who passed towards De Assis who had the easiest of chances in front of Bonello. There was more to come s two minutes later Gzira took the lead. Another move on the right and the cross was not blocked by Dordjevic and De Assis was again in the right spot to head home.

On 59 minutes the champions suffered another blow as Maaxwell Maia had a brilliant run on the right before passing towards Jefferson De Assis who tapped the ball in for his hat-trick. After this magical seven-minute spell by Des Assis and the Maroons, the game took a different shape with the Spartans trying to force their way inside the opposing penalty area and with Gzira defending boldly their precious and surprising lead.

With two minutes to go Hamrun’s misery was complete as Maxwell Maia darted from the right flank to beat Bonello for Gzira’s fourth goal.

Photo Domenic Aquilina