Sliema Wanderers pile more misery on Spartans and boost Top Six aspirations

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS   0

SLIEMA WANDERERS  1

Zibo 23

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS

H. Bonello, S. Borg, S. Xerri (59 Talison), L. Montebello, J. Mbong, R. Prsa (72 R. Mehana), E. Freitas, J. Cadenovic (59 Eder), E. Marcelina, C. Menacho, R. Camenzuli.

SLIEMA WANDERERS

K. Agu, J. Borg, A. Magri Overend, V. Plut (86 N. Frendo), M. Beerman, G. Alcino, Wescley (70 G. Acheampong), H. Murillo, S. Zibo, S. Pisani, M. Awad (83 M. Priyadun).

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri.

Yellow cards Elionay, Wescley, Xerri, Mbong, Beerman, Agu, Priyadum.

Sliema Wanderers piled more misery on Ħamrun Spartans as the Blues secured a vital victory over the Malta champions to boost their hopes of making the Top Six.

Simon Zibo netted the all-important goal for the Wanderers to reward a very disciplined display from the Blues who after taking the lead they managed to contain the Spartans efforts to grab the three points and push themselves among the top six teams in the division.

On the other hand, things are looking bleak for the Spartans who after suffering their third successive defeat slip seventh place and will need to beat Naxxar in the final game of the Closing Round to make it into the Top Six.

There was little separating either side for much of the opening 20 minutes as both teams were looking to gain a foothold of the match but scoring chances were rare on both sets of defences.

The stalemate was broken on 23 minutes when Sliema were awarded a free-kick and Steve Pisani’s cross was met by Simon Zibo who flicked the ball past Ħamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Ħamrun were struggling to make an impact in the match as the players seemed to be finding it difficult to feel at ease with the tactical tweaks made by Muscat.

On the other hand, Sliema were happy to administer their advantage and stay compact in defence with Jean Borg playing an influential role.

Four minutes from the break, Sven Xerri picked Menacho but his shot was blocked by Henrique Murillo.

After the break, Ħamrun started to press more, and a minute into the second half, Marcelina picked Montebello whose angled shot was saved Agu.

On 55 minutes, Ryan Camenzuli fed Joseph Mbong in space but his low shot finished just wide.

Two minutes later, Steve Borg connected to Cadenovic’s free-kick but his header was somehow tipped over by Agu.

Thirteen minutes from time, Talison’s inswinger flashed past the upright.