Ħamrun close gap on Floriana with win over Birkirkara

Ħamrun Spartans closed the gap on leaders Floriana to two points after a convincing 3–0 victory over Birkirkara.

The Spartans were eager to respond after last week’s draw with Floriana and their elimination from the FA Trophy at the hands of Valletta. The champions delivered a determined performance, with Matthew Guillaumier opening the scoring and Joseph Mbong adding two second-half goals to secure an important win.

For Birkirkara, the defeat is a major setback in their push for a Top 6 finish. Sitting eighth on 12 points, they now need favourable results elsewhere in their final match of the Opening Phase to keep their hopes alive.

Ħamrun made a bright start and took the lead after just seven minutes. Shaisen Attard delivered a cross towards Mouad El Fanis, whose effort struck the post, but Guillaumier reacted quickest to fire home the rebound.

Birkirkara almost won a penalty shortly afterwards when Ryan Camenzuli collided with Francisco Lopez in the area, but the referee waved play on. The Stripes’ best chance of the half arrived on 15 minutes when Lucas Macula rounded goalkeeper Henry Bonello after a through ball from Acheampong, but his effort went wide.

Guillaumier nearly doubled the lead on 31 minutes when he met a cross from Bulevardi, but his header was saved by Martinez. Birkirkara had the final chance before the break when a loose ball fell to Macula, who sent his effort over the bar.

Ħamrun continued to press after the restart and came close on 55 minutes when Attard’s cross found Bjelicic, whose volley went just over. The woodwork denied the Spartans again on 70 minutes when Bjelicic struck the post.

The second goal eventually arrived four minutes later. Following a quick counter-attack, El Fanis set up Mbong, who turned past his marker before firing a powerful shot into the far corner.

Ħamrun sealed the victory on 77 minutes when Lopez fouled El Fanis inside the area. Mbong stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to complete his brace.

Birkirkara had a late opportunity to reduce the deficit when Redi broke through after a defensive error, but Bonello rushed out to deny him.