Valletta FC………..…0
Ħamrun Spartans…..2
Sparkling Joseph Mbong inspired Ħamrun Spartans to a crucial victory over rivals Valletta as the Spartans secured qualification to next season’s UEFA Conference League after winning the YoHealth Malta Premier third and fourth place decider 2-0.
These two sides met after both suffered defeat in their respective semi-finals last weekend.
Ħamrun were forced to do without the injured Ryan Camenzuli, while Emerson Marcelina celebrated his 250th appearance in the Premier League.
The Spartans made a dream start and took the lead after just 19 seconds when captain Matthew Guillaumier delivered an inviting cross towards Joseph Mbong, who rose superbly to guide a header over Valletta goalkeeper Julani Archibald, who appeared completely caught off guard.
The Citizens looked unsettled and it came as little surprise when Ħamrun doubled their advantage in the seventh minute. Mbong was again involved, cutting in a dangerous cross which found Colombian striker Damir Ceter completely unmarked inside the area, allowing him to head home with ease.
Valletta responded in the 18th minute when Diogo Tavares struck from a tight angle, but goalkeeper Francisco Da Paz reacted well to deny him.
Midway through the first half, Brandon Paiber unleashed a powerful effort for Valletta, which drifted wide.
The Citizens appeared more organised as the half progressed, and in the 31st minute, Ahmed Basher fired another fierce strike over the crossbar.
Ħamrun appealed for an FVS review in the 38th minute after Rafael Compri appeared to be brought down while advancing towards the goal. However, referee Alex Johnson reviewed the incident carefully before deciding no foul had been committed.
Valletta emerged strongly after the restart and in the 52nd minute Brandon Paiber forced Da Paz into another fine save with a low free-kick effort.
Ħamrun responded in the 61st minute when Ederson Bruno Domingos unleashed a thunderous strike from distance which was diverted behind for a corner by a Valletta defender.
In the 65th minute Valletta appealed for a penalty after a Yuri De Jesus Messias strike appeared to strike the arm of Emerson Marcelina inside the penalty area. However, following another FVS consultation, referee Johnson ruled that no infringement had occurred.
Ħamrun nearly added a third goal in the 71st minute when Matias Garcia found himself unmarked inside the area, only for Archibald to produce an important save.
Damir Ceter wasted another clear opportunity five minutes from time after advancing on goal, while Archibald again denied Joseph Mbong moments later to prevent the scoreline from becoming heavier.
This marked the final match of the season for Ħamrun Spartans and it ended on a positive note after another extremely demanding campaign, which also included participation in the UEFA Conference League phase alongside domestic competitions.
As for Valletta, attention now turns towards the Meridianbet FA Trophy final against Gżira United FC in the hope of securing their own place in European football.
Referee: Alex Johnson
