A duel between Ħamrun’s Mohammed Elamari (left) and Qormi’s Blendi Gockaj. Photo: Joe BorgA duel between Ħamrun’s Mohammed Elamari (left) and Qormi’s Blendi Gockaj. Photo: Joe Borg

Rogerio dos Santos Filho scored twice as Ħamrun Spartans clim-bed to second place in the Premier Division standings following a hard-earned 4-2 win over neighbours Qormi.

After finding themselves a goal down, the Spartans reacted to turn the tables on their opponents in a matter of minutes. They opened a 3-1 advantage before half-time.

In the second half, Qormi put everything on the offensive but found Ħamrun keeper Brian Baldacchino in fine form as he produced a string of superb saves to deny his opponents.

Apart from Brazilian Rogerio’s brace, the other two goals for Ħamrun were scored by Noel Bray and Mohammed Elamari.

Jesmond Micallef and Marwan Telisi were the scorers for Qormi.

Lacking punch in a five-match winless run, Gżira United finally broke their duck in the top flight as they saw off fellow strugglers Żebbuġ Rangers 4-3 in a tight game.

Gżira fell behind but a great second-half comeback saw them move off the bottom place to join Qormi and Żebbuġ on the three-point mark.

Alessio Restuccia and Luke Stivala scored a double for the Maroons after goals by Jamie Portelli, Steve Shead and Matthew Agius had given Rangers the upperhand in the opening half.

In Division One, leaders Mellieħa remain the team to beat following a 10-5 victory over Mdina Knights.

This wasn’t a stroll for the northerners as the scoreline might suggest as Mdina were always in the match before conceding late goals.

A Craig Pickard hat-trick and two goals from Joseph Vella set Mellieħa on their way to victory.

The other goals were scored by Radoslav Kovachev, Mark Vella, Robert Magro, Nikolay Filipov and Darren Aitchinson.

In another match, Aleksandar Ribic hit four goals as second-placed Lija Athletic returned to winning ways with a 12-2 hammering of Birżebbuġa.

Naxxar were made to sweat to collect the points as they beat a determined Sirens 5-2 while Attard registered their third win of the season after seeing off Siġġiewi 8-3.

Standings

Premier Division: Luxol 15; Ħamrun, Balzan 12; Swieqi 9; Valletta 6; Qormi, Żebbuġ, Gżira 3; Mosta 0

First Division: Mellieħa 21; Lija 18; Naxxar 16; Luqa 15; Attard 11; Mqabba, Sirens 8; Qrendi 7; Siġġiewi 6; Mdina 4; Msida 3; Birżebbuġa 1.

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