BOV Premier League | St Andrews 0 – Hamrun Spartans 3

After suffering a controversial elimination from the FA Trophy, Hamrun were looking to return to winning ways in their attempts to clinch a European spot. At this point, they were conscious that they needed to finish at least fourth in the table in order to stand a chance of reaching their objectives for this season.

The Spartans had to do without their manager since Giovanni Tedesco was suspended after being given a hefty ten match suspension.

Meanwhile, St Andrews who were also coming from a defeat in their previous match against Tarxien Rainbows, were also looking to take something from the match in order to climb further away from the danger zone.

Prior to the match, a short ceremony took place inside the VIP area whereby a number of delegates from Ballyemana FC exchanged gifts with members of Hamrun’s committee in order to commemorate the thirty fifth anniversary from an encounter between the two sides. In fact, both teams played against each other in 1984 during their participation in the UEFA Cup. On that day, Hamrun became the first Maltese side to win away from home in a UEFA Competition as they won 1-0.

Hamrun made their intentions clear from the start and forged ahead after 13 minutes. Following a corner, Wilfried Domoraud headed the ball past Matthew Calleja Cremona.

Tedesco’s side nearly added another on the 26th minute. Sebastian Nayar’s effort from a free-kick sailed marginally wide.

The post denied Hamrun from doubling their advantage on the 37th minute. Kevin Tulimieri received a long ball forward and attempted a volley from inside the penalty area that stamped off the upright.

Hamrun started the second half where they left off the first and added another goal on the 51st minute. Domoraud was brought down inside the penalty area by Kevyn Mcfarlane and the referee pointed towards the spot. Marco Criaco stepped up and converted.

St Andrews hit back on the 77th minute. Kemar Reid fired an angled shot from the right that was blocked by Sean Cini.

Ryan Darmanin sealed Hamrun’s win on the 88th minute. The substitute went inside the penalty area past a defender and drilled a low shot that gave Calleja Cremona no chance.

St Andrews starting line-up: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Kevyn Mcfarlane, Ricardo Martin, Aidan Jake Friggieri, Kemar Reid, Kurt Magro, Adrian Borg, Amoy Brown, Martin Davis, Degran Jackson, Matthew Woo Ling

Hamrun Spartans starting line-up: Sean Cini, Enrico Pepe, Triston Caruana, Sebastian Nayar, Wilfried Domoraud, Matthew Gauci, Marco Criaco, Karl Micallef, Orestis Nikolopoulos, Caetano Calil, Kevin Tulimieri

Referee: Darryl Agius

Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Duncan Spencer

Fourth Official: Fyodor Zammit

BOV Player of the Match: Wilfried Domoraud (Hamrun)