BOV Premier League | Ħamrun Spartans 3 – Senglea Athletic 1

Senglea created the first chance on goal after eight minutes. Following a free-kick, Nicola Palmieri fired a shot that went slightly off target.

Steve Damato’s side went ahead on the 11th minute. Ivan Paz sent an excellent pass towards Rene Caseras who hit a stunning shot that gave Jake Galea no chance.

Senglea had a good chance to increase the margin of the score on the 22nd minute. Paz’s cross from a corner was met by Nicola Palmieri whose effort hit the post and was cleared off the line.

The Spartans responded on the 29th minute. Lydon Micallef received the ball inside the penalty area and hit an angled shot that was blocked by Gulio Cetraugolo.

Ħamrun kept insisting and managed to equalise on the 40th minute. Guilherme De Castro delivered a precise cross towards Triston Caruana and the latter saw his effort ending up inside the bottom corner.

Senglea hit back immediately and had a good chance on the 42nd minute.  Gonzalo Virano received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a shot that went high.

Three minutes later, Virano went close for Senglea once more. Following a cross by Hubert Vella, the Argentine headed over from close range.

Ħamrun went ahead for the first time in the match on the 58th minute. De Castro was brought down inside the penalty area by Steve Bonnici and the referee ordered a penalty. Francisco Manoel Marino Clavero took charge of the spot kick and placed the ball behind Cetraugolo.

Senglea lost a golden opportunity to equalise on the 69th minute. Tiago Souza Da Silveira fouled Terrince Vella and the referee signalled the second penalty of the match. Vella wanted to take charge of the penalty kick, but Paz decided to take the ball. However, the Argentine saw his shot from the eleven metres mark being saved by Galea.

The Spartans had a great chance to seal the issue on the 79th minute. Caruana sent the ball into the path of the unmarked Cristian Zaccardo who attempted to place the ball inside the net; however, his effort ended up centimetres over.

Two minutes later, Ħamrun were denied by the post. From a free-kick, Da Silveira sent a powerful drive that hit the woodwork.

Things went from bad to worse for Senglea on the 83rd minute when Paz was shown a straight red card by the referee following a foul on Zaccardo.

A minute later, Ħamrun scored their third goal. Following a free-kick, Thiago Espindola De Paula sent a long ball towards Souza Da Silveira, and this time, the Ħamrun player directed a header inside the net.

Senglea Athletic starting line-up: Guilio Cetraugolo, Randal Vella, Steve Bonnici (Peter Sammut – 58), Hubert Vella, Atonio Terracino, Matias Garzia, Gonzalo Nicolas Virano, Nicola Palmieri, Ivan Paz, Rene Caseras (Terrince Vella – 53), Ian Azzopardi (Jurgen Farrugia – 45)

Ħamrun Spartans starting line-up: Jake Galea, Tiago Souza De Silveira, Daniel Zerafa, Philip Chircop (Cristian Zaccardo – 76), Triston Caruana, Terrence Agius, Guilherme Felipe De Castro, Thiago Espindola De Paula, Francisco Manoel Marino Clavero (Dale Camilleri – 72), Lydon Micallef, Siraj Arab (Karl Micallef – 45)

Referee: Sandro Spiteri

Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Peter Abela

Fourth Official: Mario Apap

Yellow Cards: Triston Caruana (Ħamrun), Randal Vella (Senglea), Lydon Micallef (Ħamrun), Antonio Terracino (Senglea)

Red Cards: Ivan Paz (Senglea)

BOV Player of the Match: Francisco Manoel Marino Clavero (Ħamrun)