YoHealth Malta Premier 25/26 – MD8
Sliema W…..2
Ħamrun S….0
Ħamrun Spartans suffered their first defeat of the YoHealth Malta Premier League season as they were beaten 2-0 by Sliema Wanderers, playing over an hour with 10 men following a straight red card shown to Bosnian striker Semir Smajlagic in the 30th minute.
Sliema took the lead in the 19th minute when Adam Magri Overend carried the ball forward from the back and released Fernandinho, who, despite pressure from three defenders, managed to beat Henry Bonello with a low shot.
Just ten minutes later, Ħamrun’s task became even harder as Smajlagic was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Thiago Espindola, prompting an immediate red card from referee Philip Farrugia.
At the break, Ħamrun coach Giacomo Modica made four changes, and the Spartans came close to equalising early in the second half when an Ante Ćorić free-kick struck the woodwork with goalkeeper Emeka beaten.
Despite their efforts, it was Sliema who doubled their lead in the 69th minute, as Vito Plut broke through one-on-one and calmly slotted past Bonello.
Sliema came close to adding a third when former Ħamrun player Roko Prša struck the post with a low effort, with the match ultimately ending 2-0 in their favour.
This was Sliema’s fourth win of the season, while ending Ħamrun’s unbeaten run after eight league games.
