Ħamrun Spartans extend winning start

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS           3

Djordjevic 25 pen.

Adeshina 44

Serrano 82

SENGLEA ATHLETIC                    0

Ħamrun Spartans extended their winning start to three games after defeating Senglea Athletic 3-0 at the Centenary Stadium.

It was a well-deserved win for the Spartans who will be heading into the international break with maximum points and sole leadership, but more importantly a reassurance about the quality they boast in their squad.

Their latest signing Matthew Guillaumier was not available for selection with coach Mark Buttigieg deploying Emerson Marcelina and Predrag Djordjevic in the middle, with the Spartans duo marshalling central department with an excellent display.

Senglea, on their part, have succumbed to their second defeat of the season in three outings. Nonetheless, against the Spartans they managed to put up a solid performance from which they can take positives ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

It was Senglea who recorded the first attempt but it was a long-range first timer from Igor Misan that sailed over.

Moments later, Ħamrun almost forged ahead at their first time of asking when Joseph Mbong beat two markers before whipping in a ball that was first hit by Jorge Ailton before the rebound dropped onto Ige Adeshina who surprisingly missed from point-blank range.

Senglea’s organisation on the field was making it difficult for Ħamrun to create open play chances. To overcome this hurdle, the Spartans were looking for depth through their flanks to stretch Senglea’s backline, adopting a pragmatic approach to penetrate the Cottonera-based side.

On the 24th minute, the Spartans were given the opportunity to forge ahead when goalkeeper Dorian Bugeja brought down Adeshina with Predrag Djordjevic taking charge of the penalty. The Serbian player converted from the penalty spot as the Spartans drew first blood.

On the half-hour mark, Adeshina wasted another chance to double Ħamrun’s lead when his close-range header was lifted over the bar.

Nonetheless, Adeshina was not to be denied when he headed the ball over goalkeeper Bugeja to give the Spartans a two-goal lead at the break.

At the start of the second 45 minutes, Djordjevic came close to hitting a third for Ħamrun but after a solo progression with the ball, his effort hit the woodwork before being cleared into corner.

As the half wore on, Ħamrun continued to dominate proceedings even though Senglea were looking to stage a reaction in an attempt to pull one back.

In the closing stages of the game, Ħamrun added a third through defender Elkin Serrano to secure their third victory of the season.