Hamrun - 3, Balzan -1

Two quick goals late in the first half propelled Hamrun Spartans to a positive start to their league trek as they saw off newcomers Balzan Youths 3-1 this afternoon.

Last season's Division One champions had made a bright start to the match but for all their possession they could not find a breakthrough.

Instead it was the Spartans who took the lead on 38 minutes when from a Kevin Sammut corner kick, Massimo Grima evaded his marker to plant a header past Balzan goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.

Barely two minutes later, Hamrun made it 2-0 when Renie Forace upended Gianluca Calabretta in the area and from the resultant penalty Anderson Ribeiro buried the ball home.

The Spartans maintained the upperhand and two minutes into the second half they all but wrapped up the points when Kevin Sammut sent a curling cross inside the area and Ribeiro was on hand to tap the ball home.

Balzan's response only arrived on 53 minutes when Lydon Baldacchino stabbed the ball home from a Yessous Camilleri cross.

Hamrun ended the match with 10 men when Lee James Agius was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 83 minutes.

Massimo Grima was voted as the BOV Player of the match.

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