Hamrun Spartans are the Champions 2022/23 after in the match played yesterday at the National Stadium they got what they wanted and with four matches to play have got an unassailable lead.

For Hamrun this is the ninth league in their club’s glorious history and the second title in the last three years. A club which has risen to fame once again after some difficult years.

Hamrun wanted just a point from this match but they had in front of them as opponents the second placed team Gzira United. The difference of points between both teams is evident of the consistency that the Spartans had during this campaign. But though Hamrun are the better team, their opponents can consider this season as a successful one. They are on course for a European berth and also in the last four of the Izibet FA Trophy.

This match brought against each other the best attack, Gzira with 38 goals againt the best defence with Hamrun conceeding just nine goals. Hamrun coach Branko Nisevic had to do without Jonny who was suspended but welcomed back ex-Gzira defender Steve Borg.

In the first round match Hamrun emerged winners by a 2-1 scoreline.

The match resulted on a tense affair until the Spartans scored what proved to the the winner late in the game.

The first chance fell Hamrun’s way when on seventeen minuta a Mashike shot was turned onto a corner by Gzira goalkeeper Zarkov. That was the only action of the first forty five minutes which failed to live up to expectations with neither team being able to break the opposing rearguard.

In the second half on 55 minutes Elvis had his shot saved with ease by Zarkov. And on the other end two minutes later Bonello saved on Jefferson.

Midway through the second half Bonello saved his team once again this time blocking a headed effort by De Oliveira.

Thirteen minutes from the end a golden opportunity for Gzira but Maia failed to find the net from close range.

With Hamrun Spartans getting the winner four minutes later when Mbong set Mashike who squared towards Montebello and the latter slotted the ball home from close range.

It was not time for celebrations which started at the National Stadium and continued in the main streets of Hamrun.

Photos: Domenic Aquilina