Ħamrun Spartans delivered a dominant performance to brush aside Naxxar Lions 4–0 and move to the top of the Closing Round standings.
Two first-half goals from Joseph Mbong set the Spartans on their way before substitute Damir Ceter struck twice after the break to complete a comprehensive victory for Giacomo Modica’s side, who now sit alone at the summit ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Floriana and Gżira United.
Naxxar, still without the injured Vitinho, were forced into changes despite their emphatic win over Mosta in the previous round. Coach Winston Muscat reshuffled his side, introducing Daniel Letherby and Theo Kruger, and opted for a cautious 5-4-1 setup aimed at containing the champions.
Ħamrun, meanwhile, made a late alteration of their own, with Ceter surprisingly dropping to the bench and Jonny handed a starting role.
From the opening whistle, the Spartans controlled possession and tempo, pinning Naxxar deep in their own half. The first warning came on 20 minutes when Matthew Guillaumier tested Matthias Debono with a low effort from distance.
The breakthrough arrived four minutes later. Shaisen Attard whipped in a precise cross from the right and Mbong rose unmarked at the far post to head Ħamrun into the lead.
Naxxar attempted to respond through a Joao Pedro free-kick that found Felipe Goncalves, but Guillaumier was alert to clear the danger off the line. Moments later, the Lions came agonisingly close when Rosiel’s delivery was met by Joao Cardoso, whose acrobatic bicycle kick crashed against the crossbar.
Ħamrun doubled their advantage on 40 minutes, again exploiting space out wide. This time it was Ryan Camenzuli who delivered, with Mbong once more rising highest to head home his second of the evening.
At half-time, Modica reversed his earlier decision and introduced Ceter, a move that paid immediate dividends.
Naxxar were unfortunate not to pull one back early in the second half, with Theo Kruger curling a free-kick around the wall only to see it strike the post. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished on 55 minutes when Mbong turned provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass through the defence for Ceter, who finished emphatically off the underside of the crossbar.
Ħamrun added a fourth on 68 minutes as Danilo Bulevardi split the defence with another incisive through ball, allowing Ceter to calmly slot past Debono for his second goal of the night.
The match was briefly halted when referee Philip Farrugia was forced off with a muscular injury and replaced by fourth official Emanuel Grech.
With the outcome beyond doubt and an eye on the upcoming Super Cup final, Modica rang the changes, withdrawing Camenzuli, Mbong and Garcia. Sven Xerri was introduced, while Ivan Inzoudine and Michele Carboni were handed their debuts.
By then, Ħamrun had already made their statement, underlining their title credentials with a ruthless and composed display.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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