Stripes struggle to down Spartans

Birkirkara 2
Hamrun Spartans 1

Birkirkara had to dig deep before lowering the colours of a battling Hamrun team yesterday.

The Stripes were tipped as favourites to bag their second win of the campaign against a side making their first appearance in the Premier League following their unexpected early return from Division One.

Sylvano Comvalius's early opener might have given the impression that the Stripes were in for a field day but that was not the case as the Spartans launched a stirring fightback. However, their profligacy in front of goal was punished by the Stripes who netted a vital second goal on the stroke of half-time and did just enough to preserve their lead.

Branko Nisevic was named in Birkirkara's starting formation following a change of heart on his decision to retire. He partnered new signing Nikola Vukanac in the heart of the defence.

Spartans coach Steve D'Amato gave the nod to young Andrea Cassar to guard goal in the absence of the suspended Ivan Casha. Martin Hrubsa, Mark Barbara, Marcelo Pereira, Timothy Fleri Soler and Jonathan Holland all made their first appearance for Hamrun.

After only five minutes Cassar mis-timed his sortie, the centre fell to Michael Galea whose volley was somehow punched away by the Hamrun keeper.

Three minutes later, the Stripes shot in front. Hrubsa's attempt to clear saw his header hitting the back of Comvalius with the ball bouncing into the net despite the desperate attempts of Cassar to save.

More woes were in store for the Spartans who were forced to make their first change when Holland suffered an injury. He was replaced by Diego Armando Cucciardi.

The Stripes took control with the Spartans working hard to try and keep out their opponents' attacking threat. On 23 minutes, Comvalius came close but his shot was stopped by Cassar.

However, when everyone expected Birkirkara to score again, it was the Spartans who struck.

Manolito Micallef put Gaetan Spiteri clean through and the nippy forward scored with his second attempt after his first shot was parried by Mora.

The Spartans almost struck again on 28 minutes but Pereira failed to make contact with the ball from close in.

Hamrun were slowly growing in stature and five minutes from the break, Pereira sped past Zerafa on the right before serving Cucciardi who should have done better from an inviting position.

At the other end, Cilia found himself in acres of space but his shot was pushed away by the alert Cassar.

That was only a temporary reprieve for the Spartans though as in time added on George Mallia hit home after a perfect ball from Comvalius.

A minute inside the second half, the Spartans almost equalised when Spiteri fed Cucciardi just outside the box but the Hamrun midfielder saw his shot tipped over by Mora.

On 56 minutes, Pereira had a golden chance to put the Spartans level when he was put through by Micallef but the Brazilian fired wide with only the keeper to beat.

The match remained evenly balanced with Birkirkara holding much of the possession but the Spartans always dangerous on the break.

Chances remained few and far between with Birkirkara seemingly happy to administer their slender lead.

In injury time, substitute Mead Mifsud's swerving free-kick was blocked in two attempts by Mora.

After the final whistle Micallef clashed with Mora and the Hamrun midfielder was shown the red card to cap a woeful day for the Spartans.

Birkirkara J. Mora-6, T. Paris-5.5, B. Nisevic-5.5, P. Fenech-6, T. Cilia-5.5, M. Galea-5 ('72 K. Pulo), N. Vukanac-6, S. Comvalius-6 ('86 A. Tabone), S. Bajada-6, J. Zerafa-5 ('46 A. Buhagiar-5), G. Mallia-7.5.

Hamrun Spartans A. Cassar-6, R. Mangion-6.5, R. Fenech-6, M. Micallef, M. Barbara-5.5 ('81 M. Mifsud), N. Galea-6, M. Pereira-6.5, G. Spiteri-7, M. Hrubsa-7, T. Fleri Soler-6 ('46 A. Attard-6), J. Holland ('10 D. A. Cucciardi-6.5).

Scorers Comvalius 8; Mallia 45 (Birkirkara); Pereira 25 (Hamrun Spartans)

Referee Saviour Tanti.

Yellow cards Barbara, Cucciardi, Zerafa, Vukanac, Fenech.

Red card Micallef (HS) 90.

BoV player of the match George Mallia (Birkirkara).