Hibs 2 Hamrun2

Hamrun Spartans scored twice in the final 10 minutes to salvage a point in their match against champions Hibs at the National Stadium this afternoon.

Scoring chances were few and few between in the first half.

Mario Muscat, the Hibs goalkeeper, produced two fine saves to keep out dangerous shots from Hamrun Spartans’ Gaetan Spiteri. Mano Micallef fired wide with the goal at his mercy after Muscat had parried Spiteri’s second attempt.

Hibs forged ahead against the run of play six minutes from half-time. Adrian Pulis advanced on the left and sent in a perfect cross for Uruguayan midfielder Christian Callejas to head past Hamrun goalkeeper Ivan Casha. Hibs increased their lead midway through the second half.

Andrew Cohen’s cross from the right was headed down by Aaron Xuereb and Jonathan Caruana flicked the ball.

The game looked as good as over but the Spartans had other ideas. Substitute Diego Armando Cucciardi pulled one back nine minutes from time and, deep in stoppage time, the Spartans’ pressure was rewarded with an equaliser.

Hamrun were awarded a penalty after Christian Callejas appeared to handle Cucciardi’s shot and from the spot, Marcelo Pereira drilled his shot past Mario Muscat.