Watch: Ħamrun Spartans see off Sliema Wanderers to keep pressure on leaders Gżira United

Ħamrun Spartans were back to winning ways when they scored a goal in each half to see off Sliema Wanderers.

Goals from Joseph Mbong and Damir Ceter earned the Spartans a merited win that keeps them just two points behind leaders Gżira United, whom they will face on Tuesday.

For Sliema it was a mixed performance, as after a disappointing first half, they were far more dangerous after the break and were undone by some fine goalkeeping by Celio.

But in the end, they still did not do enough and must show more consistency in their play if they are to challenge for the top placings.

Ħamrun Spartans dominated proceedings for much of the first half as they managed to hold the ball for long spells of possession giving little room to their opponents to threaten their defence.

The Malta champions took the lead with their first goal attempt.

Joseph Mbong hit an inswinger inside the area that completely caught by surprise the Sliema defence and their goalkeeper Kelvin Agu, with the ball bouncing into the net.

Sliema tried to fight back, but they continued to struggle to make any inroads in the Spartans defence.

On the other hand, Ħamrun kept pushing forward with Shaisen Attard firing over from the distance.

Four minutes from the break, Mbong sent a delightful pass towards Attard, who was providentially anticipated by Thiago Espindola.

Then the same Attard released Damir Ceter inside the area, but the Colombian saw his shot hit the upright with Agu beaten.

Ħamrun continued to push forward after the break, and on 50 minutes, Matias Garcia sped inside the area, and his pull-back was met by Ceter, but his shot was blocked.

On the hour mark, Mbong played in Camenzuli, and his low cross towards the unmarked Ceter was somehow cleared by Murillo.

Ħamrun goalkeeper Celio came to his team’s rescue on 68 minutes when Sliema substitute Mohammed Awad’s shot was deflected by Marcelo Barros Santos but the Spartans goalkeeper showed great reflexes to push the ball over.

A minute later, Wescley outsprinted Polito and his touch surprised by the onrushing Celio, but luckily for Ħamrun the ball drifted wide.

Ħamrun thought they added a second when Garcia picked Damir Ceter at the far post and the Colombian headed home. But the ‘goal’ was annulled as the assistant referee ruled that the ball had finished out of play.

Sliema threw caution to the wind in the final stages but it was Ħamrun who grabbed a second when in a quick break, Ceter broke through and after turning past a defender he fired past Agu to spark the Spartans’ celebrations.