Bjornstad’s second half goal hands Spartans valuable draw at Runavik

RUNAVIK      1

P. Knudsen 26

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS

Bjornstad 56

Ħamrun Spartans produced a gutsy display to earn a valuable 1-1 draw against NS Runavik in Klaksvik to stay well in the hunt to progress to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

It was a valuable result for the Spartans, particularly when one considers the tough build-up they had for the match. The Maltese side only arrived in the Faroe Islands yesterday at noon, giving practically no chance for Stefano Sanderra’s team to have a normal build-up to the match.

In fact, the players were thrown onto the pitch just eight hours after arriving in Klaksvik, and given the circumstances, the team produced an encouraging display.

Despite falling behind to Petur Knudsen goal midway through the first half, they kept their poise and their patience was finally rewarded with a deserved equaliser from Tobias Bjornstad that keeps them well in the hunt to secure qualification in Wednesday’s second leg at the Centenary Stadium.

Coach Stefano Sanderra lined up his team in a 3-5-2 formation with Damir Ceter and Lucas Villela leading the line.

The match was evenly balanced early on, with scoring chances few and far between.

Ħamrun did have a chance on 12 minutes when the Runavik defence failed to clear away a cross, but Jake Grech fired over from routine distance.

However, it was Runavik who drew first blood on 26 minutes.

From a Jann Benjaminsen corner kick, Petur Knudsen was given time and space to head past Celio.

Ħamrun tried to respond, and on the half hour mark Damir Ceter was played through by Guillaumier but was denied by goalkeeper Tom Amos.

Six minutes from the break, Jack Ipalibo came to the Spartans’ rescue when he blocked Emil Joensen’s shot.

After the break, the Spartans tried to step up the tempo but continued to struggle to create any openings.

Runavik looked well in control, but the Spartans finally struck on 55 minutes. Guillaumier fed Lucas Villela inside the area, and the Spanish forward quickly pushed the ball across the penalty box and in came Tobias Bjornstad, who fired home.

Ħamrun were now pushing more forward, and on 64 minutes Jake Grech’s shot from the edge of the area was saved by Amos.

Ħamrun suffered a blow on 77 minutes as Emerson Marcelina picked up an injury and was replaced by Kean Scicluna.

The Spartans almost won it at the death when substitute Ante Coric sent a fine cross, but Matthew Guillaumier failed to connect in front of a gaping goal as the Maltese side had to settle for a draw.

RUNAVIK: T. Ramos, A. Elisson (16 F. Drinic), D. Obbekjaer, V. Davidsen, J. Benjaminsen, B. Nolsoe, E. Joensen, M. Przybylski, M. Lindh (83 S. Skytte), P. Knudsen, T. Hestad (61 A. Knudsen).

ĦAMRUN SPARTANS: Celio, J. Grech, R. Compri, E. Marcelina (79 K. Scicluna), V. Polito, T. Bjornstad, M. Guillaumier, J. Ipalibo, D. Ceter (79 E. Ernest), L. Villela (65 A. Coric), M. Biatoumoussoka.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan (Ireland).

Yellow cards: Przybylski, Knudsen.