BOV Premier League | Ħamrun Spartans 3 – Pieta` Hotspurs 2

Ħamrun came into this match looking to collect the three points in order to move closer towards an Europa League spot. The Spartans were coming from a 2-2 draw against Balzan and thus they needed a must win over Pieta` in order to remain on track.

On the other hand, Pieta` Hotspurs also needed points from this match in order to move away from the danger zone. The Hotspurs were coming from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tarxien Rainbows.

The Spartans started well and threatened Pieta` after three minutes. Caetano Calil’s shot from distance was neutralised by Nicholas George Vella.

Pieta` replied on the 20th minute. Gabriel Mensah’s cross shot from the right was blocked by Emmanuel Bartolo.

Bartolo denied Pieta` from scoring the opening goal of the match on the 27th minute. Paul Chimezie drilled a low shot that was parried by Ħamrun’s goalkeeper.

However, Ħamrun hit back and forged ahead on the 32nd minute. Marco Criaco’s delivery inside the penalty area was met by Triston Caruana and the latter headed the ball past Vella.

Giovanni Tedesco’s side added another three minutes later. Following a cross from the right by Wilfried Joselin Domoraud, Kevin Tulimieri’s shot took a deflection off a defender and went inside the net.

Pieta` pulled one back on the 38th minute. Mensah was on the receiving end of a cross and placed the ball home.

The drama continued as Pieta` equalised two minutes later. Neil Pace Cocks delivered a dangerous ball from a free-kick which was met by Antonio Orlando Macedo who placed the ball home from close range.

The goals kept coming as Ħamrun regained the lead one minute prior to half-time. Caruana sent a long ball inside the penalty area, Domoraud followed it, and slotted the ball inside the net.

Ħamrun started the second half looking to add on to their lead and went close on the 46th minute. Tulimieri went down the left flank and hit a low shot that forced a good save from Pieta` custodian.

Pieta` responded on the 53rd minute. Mensah fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced an excellent save from Bartolo.

Domoraud lost a golden opportunity to score again on the 59th minute. The French forward anticipated Vella who rushed forward and lobbed the ball behind him. He attempted to head the ball inside an open goal, but his effort hit the post.

Pieta` increased their efforts in the latter stages of the match and created another chance on the 82nd minute. Ishaya Irmiya Jalo unleashed a powerful drive from distance that failed to hit the target.

Ħamrun were reduced to ten men inside the additional time as Orestis Nikolopoulos was sent off after being shown his second yellow card.

However, despite Pieta’s efforts, Ħamrun held firm to collect the three points.

Ħamrun Spartans starting line-up: Emmanuel Bartolo, Antonio Monticelli, Enrico Pepe, Triston Caruana, Wilfried Joselin Domoraud, Matthew Robert Gauci, Marco Criaco, Karl Micallef, Orestis Nikolopoulos, Caetano Calil, Kevin Tulimieri

Pieta` Hotspurs starting line-up:  Nicholas George Vella, Ose Takaki, Neil Pace Cocks, Dylan Agius, Paul Chimezie, Jan Busuttil, Gabriel Mensah, Juan Manual Artiago Roa, Christian Grech, Irmiya Ishaya Jalo, Antonio Orlando Macedo

Referee: Emanuel Grech

Assistant Referees: Roberto Vella, Theodore Zammit

Fourth Official: Malcolm Spiteri

BOV Player of the Match: Triston Caruana (Ħamrun)