Ħamrun Spartans 3
Hartvig 20; Ribeiro 41; R. Spiteri 90;
St George’s 1
Bonello 71;

The scoreline suggests a fairly comfortable outing for Stefan Sultana’s Ħamrun Spartans but St George’s played their part in this cup quarter-final at the ground in Corradino.

With more composed finishing and a touch of luck, the Division One strugglers might have added Ħamrun to their list of FA Trophy scalps in this season’s edition of the competition.

The Reds raced out of the blocks to take a double lead just before half-time. But St George’s reduced the arrears with an Anthony Bonello goal which was no more than what Ramon Zammit’s side deserved for their positive approach to the match.

But the Saints lost their way and youngster Ryan Spiteri hit an instinctive 20-metre shot to wrap up victory with his first goal in the Ħamrun shirt.

Ryan Marmara, the St George’s goalkeeper, made the first save of a busy afternoon from Gaetan Spiteri on 19 minutes.

While the defenders’ eyes were focused on Brazilian forward Anderson Ribeiro, Matthew Gauci delivered the ensuing corner to the near post where Ronnie Hartvig diverted a header through Marmara’s grasp.

The Spartans threatened again five minutes later as Ribeiro hit a swerving shot narrowly wide from 20 metres.

St George’s spirit was not broken though.

In fact, Ramon Zammit’s side worked hard from the off to deny Massimo Grima, Rupert Mangion and Lee James Agius space and time, but their first shot on goal did not arrive until the half-hour mark.

Leonardo Rocha dos Santos received a pass from Gary Inguanez, advanced with the ball but sent his finish soaring over the bar.

The Division One side were encouraged by their own efforts.

Three minutes later, Heathcliff Schembri’s effort posed the biggest threat for the Reds that far. His point-blank shot produced an excellent save from goalkeeper Omar Borg.

But Sultana’s Reds remained composed as Gaetan Spiteri was becoming more influential with his pace down the flanks and Ribeiro extended the lead just before half-time as he darted in with a flying header to make it 2-0.

The Spartans had a dominant 15-minute spell after the change of ends during which Inguanez was forced to clear off the line an effort by Gauci and then, Gianluca Cala-bretta curled a shot goalwards, forcing Marmara to palm the ball over the crossbar after a breakaway led by Dean Shields.

St George’s refused to lie down and hit back when substitute Bonello was left unmarked to head the ball in from Dylan Zarb’s corner with virtually his first touch of the ball.

Ħamrun were stunned, but it did not take them long to wake from their slumber.

In the 73rd minute, Agius had an effort from inside the St George’s penalty area tipped over the bar by Marmara and five minutes later, Gaetan Spiteri could have extended his team’s advantage but his shot was superbly saved by the St George’s goalkeeper.

The Saints’ hopes of forcing extra-time were dashed on 90 minutes when substitute Ryan Spiteri rifled a menacing shot that dipped viciously behind Marmara.

That goal added gloss to the scoreline but the battling St George’s returned home with their heads held high.

Their performance was a credit to lower league football.

Ħamrun Spartans
O. Borg, G. Calabretta, M. Gauci, R. Hartvig, M. Grima, R. Mangion, L.J. Agius (84 D. Camilleri), G. Spiteri, D. Shields, K. Sammut (46 R. Spiteri), Ribeiro (87 G. Azzopardi).

St George’s
R. Marmara, H. Schembri (69 A. Bonello), J. Ruiz (10 K. Grech), D. Zahra, R. Boutahir, Leonardo, E. Amaira, G. Inguanez, D. Zarb, E. Sevasta, A. Abela.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Yellow cards: M. Gauci, Sevasta, Shields.

QFs summaries

Pieta 0
Qormi 1
Caio 120;

(after extra-time)

Hibernians 1
Failla 87 pen;
Floriana 0

Ħamrun 3
Hartvig 20; Ribeiro 41; R. Spiteri 90;
St George’s 1
Bonello 71;

Mosta 1
Obiefule 43;
Valletta 3
Cekulajevs 3; Mifsud 27 pen; Cekulajevs 72;

Next rounds

Semi-finals: May 19 and 20.
Final: May 27.