Ħamrun Spartans 0 Melita 1
A superb goal from free-kick, taken by Spanish newcomer Daniel Cabanillas Ayllon landed Melita their third win of the season in a basement clash against Ħamrun Spartans.
Ħamrun enjoyed a distinct edge, possession-wise as Sultana’s troops produced the better football early on but their efforts were undone by the poorness of the final third. They could have nosed ahead after just five minutes when Camilleri’s right-wing cross sailed towards Grima who met the ball with a powerful header which finished just over the bar. On another occasion, few moments later, Spiteri headed against the side-netting.
Play remained of the helter-skelter type although both teams had a good chance to open the scoring midway into the first half.
In the 7th minute, Ivan Tufegdvic’s header smacked against the bar with Anthony Curmi well beaten.
On the other end, 10 minutes later, Camilleri got to the byline down the right and crossed for Grima whose header was cleared off the line by Tufegdzic.
The scoreboard marked 31 minutes when Daniel Zerafa sent Michael Martin crashing after a serious venture towards the Ħamrun area.
Cabanillas Ayllon exacted a delightful left-foot strike that bent viciously away from Curmi’s despairing dive.
The first ripple after ends were changed came from Ħamrun. Theirs was a straightforward gameplan – Camilleri delivering the ball into the penalty area as they sought to take advantage of the aerial strength of Grima. His header from Camilleri’s corner was saved by Guillermo Gabilondo Garcia, 10 minutes into the second half.
At this point, Ħamrun introduced Christian Caruana to give thrust to the midfielder, believed to be the last trump card up Sultana’s sleeve.
On the hour mark, Grima drew a fine save from Gabilondo Garcia who launched himself upwards to keep out his free-kick as the goalkeeper emerged again the winner from what developed into a personal duel with the Ħamrun midfielder.
Seven minutes later, Camilleri tried a remarkable volley from the halfway line but Gabilondo Garcia proved equal to the task.
On 79 minutes, Camilleri swung in another dangerous corner into the Melita area but found no takers.
Ħamrun’s hopes of saving the match were scuppered by Manuel Ramon Sierra Camacho’s vital block on Grima deep into stoppage-time.
Camilleri delivered another precise cross that arrived at Grima but his first attempt was blocked by Tufegdovic, the ball fell again into the midfielder’s path but the Spaniard blocked miraculously on the line Ħamrun’s second attempt as Melita held on to register their second win in three matches.