Ħamrun Spartans Secure Convincing Win Over Birkirkara
Ħamrun Spartans continued their strong domestic form with a commanding 2-0 victory over Birkirkara in the YoHealth Malta Premier, earning their second consecutive league win following their impressive midweek performance against Floriana.
The match was largely decided in the first 22 minutes, as the Spartans took control early on with goals from Emerson Marcelina and Semir Smajlagic, capitalising on a dominant opening spell.
Early Goals Set the Tone
The opener came in the 11th minute when Ryan Camenzuli’s angled shot struck the post and rebounded perfectly into the path of Marcelina, who made no mistake from close range. Ħamrun doubled their lead 11 minutes later when Smajlagic calmly slotted home from the penalty spot after Stephan Makoma was penalised for a handball inside the area.
Ħamrun remained in control throughout, with midfield maestro Ante Coric pulling the strings, and Matias Garcia threatening Birkirkara’s goal with a number of dangerous runs.
Birkirkara Struggle to Respond
Birkirkara, needing at least a point to guarantee Top Six qualification, found themselves overwhelmed and unable to match Ħamrun’s intensity. Their best chance of the first half came on 41 minutes when Maydana was denied by an excellent save from Henry Bonello.
The second half offered little change in momentum, with Ħamrun controlling possession and territory. Despite losing Rafael Compri to injury, the Spartans continued to manage the game efficiently. Birkirkara’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when Kurt Zammit was shown a straight red card for a late foul on Merlin Hadzi.
Top Six Drama Unfolds
Despite the loss, Birkirkara secured a Top Six place thanks to a dramatic 2-2 draw between Hibernians and Marsaxlokk. The Stripes benefitted from Marsaxlokk’s second-half comeback, which saw them overtake Hibs in the standings and allow Birkirkara to cling to sixth spot.
Ħamrun, meanwhile, continue to mount pressure on league leaders Floriana, trailing by just one point after this latest win.
Final Score:
Ħamrun Spartans 2 (Marcelina 11′, Smajlagic 22′ pen)
Birkirkara 0
Man of the Match: Emerson Marcelina (Ħamrun Spartans)
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Red Card: Kurt Zammit (Birkirkara, 90+3′)
References: TVM Sport, SportsDesk, ONE
