Spartans stroll to victory

Hamrun Spartans 3
Mqabba 0

Hamrun Spartans picked up three valuable points in their bid to gain a berth in the Championship Pool. The 3-0 win means that the Spartans have done the double over strugglers Mqabba, who like Hamrun, were also promoted from Division One at the end of last season.

Whereas in the corresponding first round fixture the Spartans edged Mqabba by the odd goal in three, Marco Gerada's men ran out easy winners yesterday as Mqabba were never in the match.

Veteran Stefan Sultana set the Spartans on course to victory after scoring a penalty before Roderick Fenech doubled his side's lead with a header on the stroke of half-time.

After the change of ends, Alfred Effiong put the seal on Hamrun's win as Mqabba hardly managed a shot at Michael Falzon's goal.

Mqabba may have pulled off a shock win against Sliema Wanderers earlier in the season but their form has dipped and they need a drastic improvement if they are to revive their remote hopes of forcing their way back into the race for the Championship Pool.

Hamrun coach Gerada was forced to watch the proceedings from the stands after being hit with a two-match touchline ban. In his absence, assistant coach Marco Grech guided the players from the dug-out.

The Spartans threatened to take an early lead after six minutes. Ryan Fenech whipped in a low cross towards the centre of the penalty box but Effiong miscued his shot from in front of goal.

Hamrun forged ahead on 23 minutes. Mark Anthony Bonnici pounced on a loose ball but his drive was blocked by Claudio Calleja's outstretched hands in the box.

Referee Arciola pointed to the spot and Sultana executed a perfect kick for his third league goal of the season.

Just after the half hour, injury forced Hamrun defender Aaron Attard to leave the pitch, John Debattista coming in on the right flank.

Just before half-time, Hamrun doubled their lead. Ryan Fenech produced an inviting ball from a corner and his brother Roderick headed home despite Calleja's attempt to clear off the line.

Early in the second half, Hamrun endured the anguish of having another defender, substitute John Debattista, limping off the pitch.

His withdrawal triggered a spate of positional changes in the Spartans' ranks as Bonnici moved on to the right of defence while substitute Neville Galea was deployed on the left.

With Mqabba showing no signs of making a reaction, Hamrun killed the match with a third goal after 17 minutes.

Evano Briffa served Nigerian Effiong who muscled his way into the Mqabba penalty area, dribbled past goalkeeper Kris Calleja and tapped the ball with ease into an empty net.

Effiong could easily have notched a brace but his shot on 71 minutes rebounded off the post and rolled out of play.

It was not before the match had reached the 88th minute that Mqabba, at last, managed a decent attempt at goal.

Substitute Edric Borg hit a strong shot from a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area but Falzon was up to the challenge.

Deep into stoppage time, Gaetan Spiteri narrowly failed to get his name on the scoresheet after his well-hit effort from the edge of the box smacked against the post.

Hamrun: M. Falzon-6, M. A. Bonnici-6.5, A. Attard-6 ('32 J. Debattista, '51 N. Galea-6), E. Briffa-6.5, Roderick Fenech-6.5, Ryan Fenech-7, S. Sultana-6.5 ('73 D. Cucciardi), R. Mangion-6, B. Timotic-6, G. Spiteri-6.5, A. Effiong-6.5.

Mqabba: K. Calleja-5.5, A. Busuttil-5.5, M.A. Psaila-5, M. Briffa-5, F. Silva-5 ('66 E.Borg-6), M. Perreira-5, C. Calleja-5.5, C. Gatt Baldacchino-5, J. Mintoff-5, L. Galea-5 ('61 M.Bonnici-5), D. Zarb-5.5 ('53 J. P. Muscat-5).

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Scorers: Sultana 23 pen.; Roderick Fenech 45; Effiong 62.

Yellow Cards: Rod. Fenech; Cal-leja; Silva; Debattista; Briffa; Ryan Fenech.

BoV Player of the Match: Ryan Fenech (Hamrun Spartans).

Next fixtures

Saturday (National Stadium): 2 p.m. Valletta vs Pietà Hotspurs; 4 p.m. Hibs vs Floriana.

Sunday (Hibs Ground): 12.45 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Msida; 2.45 p.m. Mqabba vs Birkirkara.