Late Double Keeps Ħamrun Spartans in Title Race

Ħamrun Spartans kept their hopes of finishing top of the Opening Phase Top Six alive after striking twice late on to claim a vital 2-0 victory over Floriana.

The champions sealed the points thanks to the impact of two second-half substitutes, with Jonny announcing his return to the Maltese Premier League in spectacular fashion before Jovan Cadenovic wrapped up the win with his very first touch of the match.

The result proved crucial for the Spartans, who cut Floriana’s lead at the summit to just one point ahead of this weekend’s decisive final matchday. Ħamrun will take on Sliema Wanderers, while Floriana face fierce rivals Valletta, who are also chasing a top-two finish.

Despite the scoreline, the victory was far from straightforward for Ħamrun. Floriana dominated large spells of the opening 50 minutes and repeatedly threatened to take control of the match, only to be denied by an inspired Henry Bonello between the posts. Once again, the Spartans’ goalkeeper proved decisive with a series of outstanding saves.

As the game wore on, however, Ħamrun gradually grew into the contest and eventually delivered a decisive double blow, registering their third win over Floriana this season.

Match switched to Centenary Stadium in final hours

The build-up to the match was overshadowed by controversy after the Malta FA requested the Malta Premier League to move the fixture from the National Stadium to the Centenary Stadium due to the poor condition of the playing surface. Difficult conditions were further compounded by strong winds and intermittent rain, which affected the quality of football on display.

Ħamrun carved out the first chance after 15 minutes when they won possession just outside the Floriana area, but Joseph Mbong’s effort was superbly turned away by Gabriele Cioletti.

Floriana responded almost immediately and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring. From a Jake Grech corner, the ball fell kindly to Zach Scerri, whose effort was kept out by Bonello with the help of the post. Mattia Veselji pounced on the rebound but was again denied by the Spartans’ goalkeeper.

Following that flurry of chances, the match settled into a lull, with both sides struggling to maintain fluency amid the difficult weather conditions.

Floriana later appealed for a penalty when they felt Mbong handled the ball while attempting to clear a corner, but the referee waved play on and upheld the decision after consulting Football Video Support.

In stoppage time, Floriana wasted a golden opportunity to punish the Spartans when Polito’s loose pass was intercepted by Jah. However, Bonello raced off his line to deny the forward, and Federico Varela fired the rebound wide.

After the restart, Jah was again presented with a clear chance when he broke free on goal, but once more Bonello emerged on top, setting the stage for Ħamrun’s late surge that ultimately decided the contest.