Watch: Ħamrun Spartans beat Mosta to go top

MOSTA                                  0

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS          2

Mbong 11

Lopes Silva 45

MOSTA
D. Akpan; M. Bolanos, P. Afriyie, S. Cachia, J. Arthur (46 S. Kone), G. Goncalves, C. Failla, N. Agius (60 G. Sciberras), S. Chiemezie (85 J. Scerri), S. Chisom, Joao Victor.

MARSAXLOKK
H. Bonello; S. Xerri (47 S. Borg), J. Mbong, R. Prsa (64 C. Menacho), E. Freitas, J. Cadenovic, O. Bjelicic, K. Amoustapha, E. Marcelina (72 M. Klepac), R. Camenzuli, R. Lopes Silva.

Referee: Fyodor Zammit.

Yellow cards: Agius, Mbong, Freitas Goncalves.

Ħamrun Spartans climbed to the summit of the Closing Round Top Six after dispatching Mosta 2-0 in a solid all-round display.

Winston Muscat’s side leapfrogged Marsaxlokk and Floriana with this crucial victory, although they will now be monitoring the fitness of key players Sven Xerri and Emerson Marcelina, who both picked up injuries during the encounter.

Ħamrun set out to impose their rhythm on the match, but it was Mosta who showed early initiative. Their technical frontline, particularly the lively Giancarlo Goncalves, was eager to test the Spartans’ defensive line. Goncalves created some early pressure and later forced a fine save from goalkeeper Henry Bonello with a well-struck effort.

Despite Mosta’s early push, it was Ħamrun who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Joseph Mbong produced a moment of brilliance, cutting inside from the right before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner, giving the Spartans the edge to the delight of their fans.

Shortly after, Roko Prsa came agonisingly close to doubling the lead when he beat Mosta’s goalkeeper to a cross, but his header rolled just wide of the upright.

Mosta responded with attempts of their own.

Prince Afriyie tested Bonello with a powerful low shot, but the Malta international was equal to the task.

The Spartans nearly added a second before the interval when Ognjen Bjelicic’s header rattled the crossbar, as Ħamrun continued to dominate aerial duels.

Their persistence from set-pieces paid off in first-half stoppage time.

From a well-delivered corner, Raphael Lopes Silva found the net to put the Spartans 2-0 ahead, giving them a commanding advantage heading into the break.

At half-time, Mosta introduced Souleymane Kone in an attempt to inject energy into their attack. Meanwhile, Ħamrun were forced to make a defensive adjustment when youngster Sven Xerri was withdrawn due to injury, and was replaced by veteran Steve Borg.

Emerson Marcelina’s injury added to Muscat’s concerns, further testing the squad’s depth.

Mosta sought a way back into the game in the second half but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Ħamrun managed the game with maturity, maintaining their shape and calmly seeing out the win.

The result propels Ħamrun Spartans to first place with three games remaining, reinforcing their title credentials as the Closing Round intensifies.