Ħamrun Spartans score two early goals which gave them the platform to dominate the proceedings but needed a late flurry of goals to seal the three points against Naxxar Lions.

Ħamrun made the stronger start. The game had barely started when Daniel Zerafa scored one of the quickest Premier League goals this season after just 90 seconds. Hamrun attacked straight from the kick-off and the Spartans defender got in front of Rafael Caetano and did superbly to reach Thiago Espondola’s free-kick from the right with a glancing header.

That goal set the tone for the match and Christoph Nicht’s goal was breached again six minutes later. Lydon Micallef procured a penalty which he himself converted when he audaciously chipped the ball in from his spot-kick to put the Spartans two up.

Yet, Ħamrun Spartans’ two-goal cushion appeared a trifle vulnerable in the first half especially after Mark Fenech cleverly headed home from Ryan Grech’s free-kick.

One minute from time, Alex Nilsson stole in from the blind side to bury the ball home from Machado’s cross and resolve the issue for Ħamrun. Jacques Scerri’s side went for broke now. In time added on, they struck again thanks to Zaccardo who beat Nicht with a rasping first-timer after being picked out by Espindola.