Watch: Mbong strikes as Ħamrun Spartans see off Hibernians

Ħamrun Spartans put their title challenge back on track when they saw off the challenge of Hibernians 1-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Joseph Mbong was the Spartans’ hero after grabbing the all-important goal that handed the team three crucial points that lifted them within two points of leaders Floriana.

For the Spartans, it was sweet revenge over the Paolites, who last week had beaten them in the Super Cup final.

But the win surely provides a major confidence booster for the Spartans, who had been coming from a run of two matches without a win.

Ħamrun started to take control of the match, and they could have been handed a head start after ten minutes.

Hibs goalkeeper Branescu charged out of his goal to intercept the goalbound Shaisen Attard, but the Romanian made a hash of his clearance and luckily for the Paolites, Matthias Ellul was on hand to anticipate the young striker before he could fire into an empty net.

Ħamrun remained in control, but they had to wait until the 33rd minute to threaten again.

In a quick counterattack, Guillaumier fed Jonny, who saw his shot blocked, and the ball fell to Attard, who fired wide.

Hibs finally threatened on 39 minutes when Cleiton found Kevin Halabaku on the edge of the area, and his deflected shot finished just over.

Ħamrun had another great chance in stoppage time when Mbong found Bulevardi at the far post, but the Italian volleyed the ball open.

The Spartans had two other efforts from Ryan Camenzuli who failed to hit the target as the opening period remained goalless.

Ħamrun continued where they left off after the break and on 47 minutes, Guillaumier fed Attard, who was denied by Branescu.

The Spartans finally took the lead on 55 minutes when Jonny’s cross found Guillaumier who flicked the ball towards Mbong and the winger beat Branescu with a dipping header.

Mbong thought he added a second goal five minutes later when he latched to Jonny’s flick and sent the ball into the top corner of the net.  But the ‘goal’ was annulled for offside.

It was all Ħamrun now and on 61 minutes, Branescu pushed away Camenzuli’s shot.

Ħamrun should have killed off the match on 75 minutes when Jonny turned past his marker and his firm shot was somehow kept out by Branescu and in came Mbong who incredibly fired over from close in.

In stoppage time, Branescu denied Ħamrun a second goal when he produced a one-handed save to deny Guillumier.