Hamrun Spartans came from behind to beat Gzira United in a top of the table clash.

For the Maroons this was the first defeat of the season as Hamrun claimed their eighth victory of the season.

The Spartans have now opened a seven-point gap at the top of the standings and there seems to be no stopping the Spartans from claiming the title.

It appears that there are practically no rivals at the moment for the high flying Spartans who have till now confirmed that they are the best side on the Maltese islands.

Gzira did put up a decent fight but in the end they had to  surrender and succomb to their first defeat.

After barely six minutes Henry Bonello made a double save to keep his opponents at bay, first on a Bohrer freekick and then  from  Nikolai Muscat’s shot from the rebound.

Two minutes later a freekick on the other end for the Spartans with Zarkov blocking Prsa’s attempt. 

On 21 minutes another near miss for the Maroons with Scerri’s effort going wide.

Four minutes later Gzira took  the lead when Luke Tabone rose beautifully above friends and foes to head home past Bonello.

Hamrun had an immediate reaction and two minutes later Dodo should have done better in front ov Zarkov when well served by Guillaumier.

On 30 minutes a rare Marcelina defensive slip with Maia’s effort well saved by Bonello.

On 32 minutes Hamrun drew level when there was a defensive misunderstanding between goalkeeper Zarkov and defender Cosic, and in nipped Mashike who made no mistake with an open goal at his mercy.

Five minutes later Hamrun were unlucky not to take the lead when Guillaumier’s first timer slammed against the crossbar.

Four minutes from the break and Hamrun went close again with a Prsa header that was brilliantly saved by Zarkov.

On the resumption Hamrun were in full command and Gzira on the defensive. Shots from Prsa and mashike just missed the target as the Spartans pushed for the second goal.

On 68 minutes a Camenzuli cross found Bruno unmarked but the Brazilian hesitated and the Gzira defence desperately blocked his effort.

On 79 minutes Hamrun scored the winner when Prsa did all the spade work on the right before passing low towards substitute Luke Montebello who had only been on the field of play for three minutes, and the ex Birkirkara striker finished off in style with a low shot that gave Zarkov no chance to block.

Deep in stoppage time Gzira had a last chance to snatch a point but Henry Bonello denied Maxwell Maia with a good save.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina