YoHealth Premier League Opening round Match day 11
BIRKIRKARA ……………. 0
HAMRUN SPARTANS … 2
Birkirkara secured a Top Six berth despite a 0–2 defeat to champions Hamrun Spartans, thanks to the draw between Hibernians and Marsaxlokk earlier in the evening.
Even with that milestone, the Stripes will know they must raise their level in the Top Six. Hamrun dominated from the outset, settling the contest with two goals inside the opening 22 minutes and then controlling the tempo with one eye on their upcoming Conference League trip to Turkey. After a strong display against Floriana, the Spartans delivered another assured performance and underlined why, on their day, they are the team to beat in the Premier League.
Hamrun struck with the first clear chance. Ryan Camenzuli’s low drive came back off the upright, and Emerson Marcelina reacted quickest to turn in from close range. There was little response from Birkirkara and, on 21 minutes, a corner led to the ball striking Donovan Makoma’s hand. The referee pointed to the spo,t and Semir Smajlagic converted with a precise finish.
Those two goals knocked the wind out of the Stripes. Henry Bonello was rarely troubled, called into action only once to turn behind for a corner, while Hamrun appealed for another penalty late in the first half for a challenge on Smajlagic.
Soon after the restart, Joseph Mbong, on as a substitute, forced a block from the Birkirkara defence, and from there the Spartans managed proceedings comfortably, limiting any threat with composed game management. Late on, Luis Cordova drew a low save from Bonello, and in added time, Birkirkara finished with ten men when Kurt Zammit brought down Hadzi as the forward broke through on goal.
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
