Velez Mostar-Hamrun Spartans 0-1

 

The excellent run of Hamrun Spartans in the UEFA Conference League kept going yesterday as they defeated Velez Mostar of Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 to gain a commanding lead over their opponents going into the second leg next week.

Malta forward Matthew Guillauimier was Hamrun Spartans' hero as he scored the crucial goal after 30 minutes of play to put the Spartans within striking distance of a historic advancement to the third qualifying round of UEFA's competition.

The Spartans put up a fantastic display, looking in charge from the get-go and controlling play. Had they been more accurate in the closing stages, they might have gone home with a bigger lead.

In the first minute, Hamrun Spartans got off to a strong start as Matthew Guillaumier found Dodo in a firing position. However, Slavisa Bogdanovic saved Dodo's effort.

With their fast transitions, Velez Mostar appeared menacing. Nermin Haskic surged through on 16 minutes, but his angled drive missed the mark.

On the 25th minute, Hasanovic received a clear opportunity as Steve Borg's back header went into his path, but Bonello blocked his attempt.

On the half-hour mark, however, it was the Spartans who broke the deadlock.

After the Spartans won a free kick, Elvis Mashike received Dodo's throw, and goalkeeper Bogdanovic pushed the ball onto the upright before Matthew Guillaumier put it in.

The Spartans managed to maintain control of the game despite Velez's best efforts, much to the chagrin of the home crowd.

When Andjusic launched a wire shot from a central position after 70 minutes, Velez finally came close to scoring.

On minute 83, Bonello dipped to his left to deflect Panteljic's effort, saving the Spartans.

Velez Mostar: S. Bogdanovic, N. Andjusic (A. Dzadankovic 80′), M. Cosic, E. Halilovic, D. Hasanovic (J. Blagojevic 58′), N. Haskic, F. Ikic, A. Pavic (D. Pantelic 58′), S. Radovac (O. Prses 75′), D. Zajmovic (E. Vehabovic 58′), S. Zeljkovic

Ħamrun S.: H. Bonello, S. Borg, E. Marcelina, O. Bjelicic, J. Corbolan, R. Prsa, M. Guillaumier, R. Camenzuli, J. Robert (M. Sowe 63′), E. Sukisa (I. Nedelkovic 73′), D. Soares (Eder 85′)

Yellow Cards: N. Haskic 42′, M. Cosic 54′ (V)

Scorer: M. Guillaumier 30′ (Ħ)

Referee: A. Davey (Northern Ireland)