Ħamrun Spartans 0
Pietà Hotspurs 1
Pietà Hotspurs are through to the third round of the U*Bet FA Trophy after ousting sporting rivals Ħamrun Spartans with a late Quilin Refalo goal, yesterday.
The final scoreline was rough justice on the Reds who saw more of the ball and created better openings than the Hotspurs but failed to conclude.
Pietà had the returning Miguel Montfort in fine form but they sorely missed the services of striker Raphael Kooh Sohna who was not 100 per cent fit.
Fifteen-year old Jake Grech again showed great potential for Ħamrun and centre-back Denny Nazari also played a solid match but in the end it was Pieta’s collective effort that won the day.
Pietà and Ħamrun have already met in a Division One match this season with the former team winning the clash 3-1.
The first half belonged to Ħamrun even though Luciano Mutasi could have done better after an inviting ball from Terence Agius. The Spartans had an Antonio Pignataro header that was stopped by Montfort.
On 16 minutes Pietà could have forged ahead when Agius hit hard from the edge of the area but Jean Claude Debattista was equal to the task.
The Reds then missed a glorious opportunity following a quick counter attack, with Pignataro releasing Jake Grech but Montfort was on the right spot to save.
Another Ħamrun move soon after saw Grech hitting just wide from a good position.
The Spartans were playing the better football and went close again through Pignataro whose volley finished just over the bar.
The pace slowed considerably after the break as Pietà sought to keep control for longer stints when in possession.
Refalo had an effort finishing just wide and at the other end Adrian Borg was through but found Montfort in his way.
Pietà scored the winning goal six minutes from time.
Refalo and Cleaven Frendo did well to unlock the Spartans’ defence with the former beating Debattista following a perfect lob from inside the box.
Ħamrun were shocked and Pietà could have sealed the issue but Varella’s effort was saved in style by Debattista.
Draws for the third and fourth round of the KO competition will be made on Thursday.
Ħamrun: J.C. Debattista, M. Busuttil (G. Scerri), L. Grech, A. Borg, D. Nazari, R. Mangion, J. Grech, R. Spiteri, A. Pignataro, G. Formosa, A. Micallef (M. Busuttil).
Pieta: M. Montfort, L. Mutasi, M. Borg, Q. Refalo, T. Agius (C. Grech), L. Mallia (R. Vellude Varella), K. Cesare, C. Attard, A. Spiteri, C. Frendo (C. Cassar), O. Anonam.
Referee: Clayton Pisani.