Ħamrun Spartans fail to fire against resilient Gżira United

Ħamrun Spartans missed the chance of taking sole leadership in the YoHealth Malta Premier when they were held to a goalless draw by Gżira United at the National Stadium.

Despite dominating possession throughout the 90 minutes the Spartans struggled to break down a resolute Gżira defence as their forwards failed to deliver in front of goal.

Credit should also be given to the Maroons for a disciplined tactical performance as they managed to frustrate the Malta champions for long stretches and surely deserved to return home with their third point of the season.

As expected, Ħamrun Spartans dominated proceedings for much of the first half and almost struck after just two minutes of play.

Ante Coric picked N’Dri Koffi inside the area, and the Ivory Coast forward saw his shot brilliantly kept out by Gżira goalkeeper Colombo.

Gżira were happy to soak up the pressure and try and hit their opponents with swift raids on their front duo of Maxuell Maia and Andre.

In the ninth minute, Felix Bonilha released Maia, who turned past Bonello, but he found himself in a closed angle and his effort hit the side netting.

Koffi threatened again for the Spartans when he sped clear on the left before teeing up Ante Coric, but the Croatian’s shot was deflected to a corner.

Ħamrun came again close on 24 minutes when Koffi moved past Andy Borg and his firm drive was pushed away by Colombo.

The Spartans were forced to make their first change 11 minutes from the break when Vincenzo Polito suffered a blow to his head and was replaced by Sven Xerri, even though the defender was reluctant to leave the pitch.

After the break, Gżira started to show more attacking intent, and on 57 minutes Maia was again found in space but fired over.

The Spartans’ best chance came on 63 minutes and here Koffi should have put them ahead.  

Rafael Compri combined well with substitute Eder who sent a low cross into the path of Koffi, who incredibly fired wide from close in.

One expected the Spartans to pile up the pressure in the final stages but they lacked any sort of punch as Gżira held on to a deserved point.