Ħamrun Spartans took sole leadership of the BOV Premier League though with an extra game since they will be interested spectators tomorrow when Floriana cross swords with Gżira United.

This win against Hibernians was their fourth consecutive win whereas the Paolites gained five points from their last three matches. Both sides made it to the Round of sixteen of the Izibet FA Trophy after easily disposing of Lija Athletic and Qala Saints respectively.

Hibernians gave a full league debut to Hugo Sacco in between the posts, replacing regular goalkeeper Kone who is defending his countries goal in the Afcon Cup.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick off  as a tribute to ex-National Team coach Tony Formosa who passed away last Saturday.

After 13 minutes Ħamrun threatened when a  Uros Duranovic free kick  hit the woodwork but cleared to safety by the Paolites rearguard.

Midway through the first half and the Spartans forged ahead. A Montebello corner was partially cleared with the ball falling into Steve Borg’s path who blasted the ball past a helpless Sacco.

And just before the break Jonny saw goalkeeper Sacco out of position, lobbing the ball which just missed the target.

Hibernians tried to venture more forward on the change of ends. On 57 minutes a free kick by Bastianos was tipped onto a corner by goalkeeper Bonello.

Ħamrun responded in the 69th minute when Luke Montebello met a cross from the right but concluded wide off the mark. And on 76 minutes an acrobatic conclusion by Bjelicic just missed the target.

Nearing the end of the match Bjelicic blasted over the bar though well placed. Five minutes from the end of the match the Spartans doubled their lead. Jonny made all the work and on entering the area found Ryan Camenzuli who found no difficulty in finding the net.

It was too little too late from Hibernians when deep into stoppage time they were awarded a penalty after Steve Borg brought down Radckenko. From the resultant spot kick Jurgen Degabriele made no mistake.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina