Two free-kicks and a penalty give Sliema the win

Two goals in the beginning of the second half proved to be decisive for Sliema Wanderers as they defeated Ħamrun Spartans by the odd-goal in five.

This game didn’t have a particular importance as both teams were in the middle of the table, but this win saw Sliema climb momentarily above Hibernians while they also kept their slim hopes alive to finish in fourth place.

Ħamrun coach Jacques Scerri made three changes from the team that defeated Naxxar a week ago. Steve Sultana returned in goal instead of Jake Galea, while Karl Micallef and Guilherme de Castro took the place of Cristian Zaccardo and Triston Caruana. On the other hand John Buttigieg kept faith in the same eleven who beat St. Andrews.

The Spartans almost took the lead after just three minutes with a good save by Glenn Zammit and later Stefano Bianchardi cleared off the line to save his team in the early stages of the game.

Sliema replied with a free-kick from the right side by Ricardo Calisto but Steve Sultana had no trouble to save the ball.

John Buttigieg’s team opened the score almost in the middle of the first half as midfielder Matias Muchardi beat Sultana with a brilliant free-kick in the top corner.

Ħamrun’s reaction was fruitful enough to level the game after four minutes. Artur Faria took advantage from a blunder by Glenn Zammit and the Sliema defence, and scored from outside the box in an empty net.

Two minutes later Ħamrun went ahead. Lydon Micallef entered the penalty area from the left side and tried to cross from the left side, but the ball was deflected by Kurt Shaw and ended up beating his own goalkeeper.

Before the end of the first half, Frank Temile tried twice. On the 40th minute he tried with a low shot that finished centimetres wide, and three minutes later he tried with a header but again missed the target.

Sliema equalised in the first action of the second half. It was again a free-kick but this time taken by left footer Ricardo Calisto that hammered past Sultana.

Three minutes later, the Blues were awarded a penalty after a foul by Daniel Zerafa on Frenci Qeros. Matias Muchardi scored his second goal of the game as he made no mistake from the penalty spot.

The Wanderers had the opportunity to double their lead on the 72nd minute. Edmond Agius unmarked himself to prepare to shoot but his effort was blocked well by Sultana. Sliema controlled the last efforts by Ħamrun to open up a five-point gap over them.