360Sports Malta Premier 2024/25 – MD23 Closing round
Ħamrun Spartans….1
Balzan FC……………0
A solitary goal from Luke Montebello proved decisive as Ħamrun Spartans battled past Balzan to claim a crucial 1-0 victory, moving them level at the top of the Closing Round with Floriana.
Montebello struck just past the hour mark, pouncing on a mistake from Luka Lukovic to fire home the winner. Until that moment, Ħamrun had struggled to break down Balzan’s stubborn defensive setup, orchestrated by coach Andrew Cohen.
The Spartans, who made three changes to their lineup, failed to establish any real rhythm in the first half, largely due to Balzan’s disciplined work rate.
Talison came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute, delivering a cross from the left that took a deflection and crashed against the post. The ball fell kindly to Montebello, but the striker, under pressure, fired his shot over the bar.
Another chance followed from a set piece, with Talison unleashing a fierce shot, only for Nicholas Pulis to clear off the line. The Brazilian forward was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disjointed first-half performance from Ħamrun.
At the other end, Henry Bonello looked shaky when tested just before the break, misjudging a corner from Victor Blasco before Elionay Freitas scrambled the ball to safety.
Shortly before the hour mark, Raphael Lopes thought he had put Ħamrun ahead, slotting the ball home from Marcelina’s cross, but the goal was disallowed for handball. TV replays were inconclusive, unable to determine whether Lopes had used his hand or shoulder to direct the ball into the net.
However, the Spartans finally found the breakthrough soon after. Lukovic was caught out of position, allowing Montebello to drift into space inside the area and dispatch a composed finish past Danilo Golovic.
Balzan had a late chance to snatch an equaliser, but Blasco’s long-range ball was comfortably gathered by Bonello.
Despite Balzan’s late pressure, Ħamrun ultimately deserved their victory, securing three vital points to keep their title hopes firmly alive.
Referee: Alex Johnson
Lineups
Ħamrun Spartans: H. Bonello, S. Xerri, L. Montebello, L. Talison (38’ R. Mihana), J. Mbong, E. Freitas, J. Cadenovic (84’ Ederson), Mayron (84’ S. Borg), E. Marcelina, R. Camenzuli, R. Lopes (70’ C. Menacho).
Balzan: D. Golovic, S. Arab, N. Pulis, J. Busuttil (85’ J. Grech), D. Oluwatobiloba (81’ L. Jankovic), H. Stanic, L. Lukovic, V. Blasco, R. Floro, M. Bacanin, E. Kamsoba (72’ B. Hili).
