Birkirkara maintained their perfect start to the VBET Malta Premier campaign after a late header by captain Zach Muscat handed them a 1-0 victory over Ħamrun Spartans.
The Stripes made it two wins from two, but they had to withstand sustained pressure from Ħamrun for much of the match before striking two minutes from time.
Ħamrun will feel unfortunate to have left the Tony Bezzina Stadium empty-handed after enjoying the greater share of possession and creating a number of good opportunities. However, their failure to convert their chances proved costly once again as they suffered a second successive defeat and remain without a point.
Ħamrun coach Marco Amelia made five changes from the side which lost 2-0 to Mosta, while Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit retained the same starting line-up which defeated Gżira United in their opening fixture.
The Spartans started brightly and created the first opportunities of the match. Marcelo set up Lucas Villela after eight minutes, but the latter fired over from inside the area.
Saliou Thioune then went close with an effort from the edge of the area, while Birkirkara replied through a Jake Vassallo corner which Frazan headed narrowly wide.
Ħamrun continued to threaten and came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. Zach Muscat was forced to clear an effort off the goal line following a dangerous move, while Thioune and Marcelo both failed to capitalise on good opportunities.
Birkirkara also had their moments before the break, with Amarildo testing goalkeeper Celio and Franklin Sasere missing the target following an inviting pass from Aleandro Garzia.
The Spartans continued to press after the restart. Sasere set up Jefferson Vinicius, whose low effort was parried by Celio, while Birkirkara goalkeeper Al Tumi was also called into action to keep his side in the game.
Substitute Damir Ceter had two opportunities for Ħamrun in the latter stages, while Matthew Guillaumier also saw an effort deflected following a dangerous attacking move.
However, just as it appeared that the match was heading towards a draw, Birkirkara struck.
With two minutes remaining, Fernandinho delivered a free-kick from the right and Zach Muscat rose highest to head past Celio and give the Stripes the lead.
Ħamrun were unable to find a response in the closing stages as Birkirkara held on for another valuable three points.
The result leaves Birkirkara with six points from their opening two matches, while Ħamrun Spartans face an early-season setback after suffering two defeats in succession without scoring a goal.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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