Futsal: Hamrun close in on Luxol ahead of direct clash

Hamrun Spartans eased past Swieqi United 9-3 to maintain their good form of late in the Gatorade Futsal League and prepare in a perfect way for their clash with champions Luxol.

The experience of the Spartans prevailed in the end as Swieqi were second best in the crucial moments of the encounter. Hamrun had Brazilian lateral Madson Caetano de Abreu making his official debut with a bang as he signed off with a brace. His compatriot Michel Melo Jose was four times on the mark as Jason Mifsud, George Frendo and Juan Manuel Losada Teruel scored more goals for the Spartans. Swieqi reduced the gap thanks to a Boicho Marev brace and a Diego Gomes de Mello strike.

Leaders Luxol cruised to a resounding 13-0 win over Qrendi to maintain their season’s perfect stretch. Mark Zammit and Celino Alves scored a brace with the other goals coming from Frane Despotovic, Zvezdan Vukovic, Carl Azzopardi and Florin Anton. Luxol continued to dominate in the second half, adding five more goals courtesy of a Matthew Attard double, Florin Anton, Celino Alves and Carl Azzopardi.

Valletta obtained a convincing win as they thrashed Gozo FC 18-0. Mohammed Elamari hit the target seven times, again taking centre-stage with a masterful performance. Jovica Milijic notched a hat-trick, Jurgen Pace and Dylan Musu hit a brace while Xavier Saliba, Cristian Cuadros Silva, Melvin Borg and an own goal added the tally for the Citizens.

Lija Athletic emulated their rivals’ feats as they saw off Mdina Knights 13-1. Endrit Kaca was Lija’s inspirational player as he netted six of his team’s goals. Gary Inguanez, Chris Cardona, Andre Enrique de Souza, Nikolay Filipov and Redeemer Borg added more goals for Kevin Mifsud’s side. Neil Cauchi hit the target for Mdina Knights.

A second-half onslaught earned Msida St. Joseph three precious points as they came from behind to see off Sliema Wanderers 7-4 in their direct clash for the sixth place.

Mqabba battled back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Marsaskala in another thrilling game while Zebbug Rangers returned to winning ways as they overcame Sirens 5-3.

STANDINGS: Luxol 33, Hamrun 31, Valletta 28, Lija 27, Swieqi 21, Msida 19, Sliema and Zebbug 15, Sirens 13, Mqabba and Marsaskala 7, Qrendi and Mdina 6 and Gozo 0.