Ħamrun Spartans see off Valletta to seal European qualification

VALLETTA                   0

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 2

Mbong 1; Ceter 8

Ħamrun Spartans scored two goals inside the first eight minutes to see off Valletta to seal third spot in the YoHealth Malta Premier League and a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

After the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Finalissima that will be decide this season’s champions, the onus was on the Spartans to try and somewhat make up for that upset with victory in the play-off for third spot which would yield a place in European football.

And the Spartans duly delivered a strong display as once they struck twice early on they were always in control and at least ended what has been a very disappointing domestic season on a positive note.

For Valletta, the season is still not yet finished as the Citizens can still ensure a place in European football if they manage to beat Gżira United in the FA Trophy final on Saturday, May 23.

Giacomo Modica, the Ħamrun coach, was forced to be without goalkeeper Henry Bonello, who was not fully fit and was replaced by Brazilian shot-stopper Francisco Celio.

Valletta, on the other hand, made two changes to their starting formation as Julani Archibald started in goal at the expense of the injured Adilson Maringa. Ahmed Adebayo was preferred to Shaft Brewer.

Ħamrun Spartans were off to a flying start as inside the first 30 seconds they were already a goal ahead.

The Spartans won possession deep into the Valletta half, and Matthew Guillaumier chipped the ball into the path of Joseph Mbong, who glanced his header past Valletta goalkeeper Julani Archibald and into the net.

Valletta looked rattled and the Spartans doubled their lead seven minutes.

Mbong sent a teasing cross into the path of Kleri Serber who nodded the ball across goal into the path of the unmarked Damir Ceter who headed into an empty net.

Valletta finally responded on 17 minutes when Diogo Tavares hit a firm, angled shot that was pushed away by Celio.

Five minutes later, the Spartans came close when Mbong was served on the edge of the area and his shot was deflected just wide.

On the half hour mark, Adebayo controlled the ball inside the area but fired over.

Ħamrun suffered a blow on 40 minutes when Compri picked up a shoulder injury and was replaced by Ivan Inzouine.

The last chance of the half came Ħamrun’s way when Serber teed up Guillaumier who saw his low drive well blocked by Archibald.

On the restart, Thane Micallef was happy with his team and on the restart, he brought on Mattias Ellul and Andrea Zammit for Jackson Mendoza and Sava Radic.

The first chance of the second half was created by Valletta when from a central free-kick, Yuri Messias’s shot was well saved by Celio.

At the other end, Guillaumier picked Ceter but his header flew straight into the hands of Archibald.

On the hour mark, Ħamrun almost added a third but Eder’s shot just whizzed past the upright.

Seven minutes later, Mbong picked Ceter from a few metres out, but the Colombian failed to make contact with the ball.

It was all Ħamrun now and on 70 minutes, Archibald pulled off a fine save to deny Garcia from close in.

Five minutes from time, Ħamrun had another chance to add a third goal when in a quick break, Garcia fed the sprinting Ceter who shot straight into the hands of Archibald.

A minute later, the City goalkeeper was again alert to keep out Mbong’s low shot.

VALLETTA

J. Archibald, S. Borg, B. Paiber, J. Azzopardi (72 Y. Yankam), D. Tavares (46 S. Brewer), A. Adebayo, E. Mbende (79 N. Micallef), Y. Messias, S. Radic (46 A. Zammit), T. Aldama, J. Mendoza (36 M. Ellul).

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS

F. Celio, R. Compri (40 I. Inzouine), S. Xerri, M. Guillaumier, M. Garcia, J. Mbong (90 D. Bulevardi), V. Polito, K. Serber (62 O. Bjelicic), D. Ceter (90 B. Ekele), Eder (90 S. Attard), E. Marcelina.
Referee Alex Johnson.

Yellow cards Mbende, Serber, Yankam.