Sliema Wanderers returned to winning ways after defeating Hamrun Spartans by two goals to nil. It was a deserved win for the Blues who were in dire needs of the maximum points to keep on fighting for a top six finish. For Hamrun this was the first defeat in the YoHealth Malta Premier.

Sliema were coming from the debacle against Naxxar Lions when they lost by four goals to nil. On the other hand Hamrun won their last match against Hibernians and went into this match on a high following their good showing in the league phase debut of the Uefa Europa Conference League.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi rang the changes from their last outing with Emeka, Alcino, Matos da Silva, Baggio and Magri Overend starting instead of the suspended Al Tumi, Bah, Murilo, Diarry and Beerman. As for Hamrun just one change with El Fanis being draft instead of Hadzi.

On 7 minutes Hamrun had the first chance when Camenzuli took possession in the midfield area found Smajlagic but his header was saved by Emeka. Three minutes an Mbong back heel just missed the target.

On 19 minutes Sliema came into the picture and it was the opening goal of the match. Magri Overend arrived on the ball before Camenzuli and following a good run passed towards Fernandinho who kept insisting on entering the area before slotting the ball past Bonello.

Just off the half hour mark Bonello was on the alert to save a Magri Overend shot from the edge of the area. And three minutes later came the killer blow for the Spartans when Smajlagic was shown a straight red following a foul on Thiago Espindola.

Things were now becoming a bit complex for Hamrun though they went near in the 33rd minute when Eder passed towards El Fanis but the latters shot was saved by a solid Emeka.

On the change of ends in the 56th minute Hamrun were unlucky not to draw level when a Coric free kick hit the woodwork. And on the other end the energetic Magri Overend played the ball towards Bah whose shot was once again saved by Bonello.

The match was sealed in the 68th minute through Sliema's striker Vito Plut who with great opportunism made the best out of some poor Hamrun defending and drafted the ball home.

And fourteen minutes from the end ex-Roko Prsa was unlucky when his diagonal shot missed the target by a few inches.

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