League leaders Hamrun Spartans lost their hundred percent record yesterday when they were blocked by a gallant Birkirkara side in a rather tense and nervy match. Although the game failed to produce any goals, it was still a delight to watch with both sides giving their all and proving that they are the best two sides at the moment.

Birkirkara had more of the ball, but the Spartans had the best chances of the game especially in the first period. Cain Attard and Coppola were in splendid form at the back for the Stripes, with Yankam and Zibo playing a blinder in midfield. For the Spartans Marcelina was once again outstanding with Guillaumier not at his very best, missing a glorious chance in the first half.

Birkirkara settled down more quickly but the Spartans had a great opportunity on nine minutes when the Birkirkara defence stopped for a foul on Corbalan but the referee gave the advantage with Jonny darting forward and crossing towards Mashike whose point blank shot was cleared off the goal line by Cain Attard.

On 17 minutes Ryan Camenzuli was very unlucky when his scorcher slammed against the crossbar with Nava completely beaten. The Stripes responded with a Iorio drive sailing over the bar and six minutes from the break Guillaumier rounded off two defenders in style but then hit miserably in front of goal to miss a sitter.

Birkirkara continued to hold the edge on the resumption with the Spartans unable to re-produce scoring opportunities. Three minutes into the second half De Paixao Alves caught the Hamrun defence on the wrong foot and crossed towards Cabrera who failed to control the ball giving Bonello the chance to block in a desperate sortie.

The same Cabrera tested Bonello who turned into a corner and in the dying minutes the Stripes almost snatched a dramatic winner when Paul Mbong’s corner was missed by Pepe and Cabrera in front of goal with the static and helpless Hamrun rearguard having a great sigh of relief.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina