Champions Luxol were punished at the death as Rodrigo Ticz Patricio fired home the winning goal to earn Hamrun a precious 6-5 win in the top-of-the-table clash played at the Corradino Pavillion. The product of their combined efforts was a pulsating encounter that produced eleven goals, five of which came in a frenetic 10-minute spell in the second half with the Spartans having the last laugh after coming from one goal down to eclipse Luxol.
The Spartans had the better start, but it was Luxol who surged ahead on seven minutes when Mark Zammit met an Alves corner to slot home past Mifsud. This goal did not discourage Hamrun as they drew level one minute later when Raphinha’s freekick finished at the back of the net. The goals kept coming as Florin Anton restored Luxol’s advantage after a quick counter attack. On 16 minutes, Peter Pullicino advanced from the flank to find Raphinha ready to tap in to draw level. This goal gave the Spartans more courage to venture forward and they managed to score their third goal before the interval as Rodrigo pile driver finished behind Attard.
The second half started with a bang as after just five seconds, Hamrun netted their fourth through Michel Melo Jose who stunned Attard with a great shot. On 28 minutes, the St Andrews side were awarded a penalty when Rodrigo touched the ball inside the area with Glenn Bonello ready to convert the maximum shot. Luxol were now in buoyant mood and succeeded in turning the result through goals from Celino Alves and William Barbosa. The Spartans levelled the matters to 5-5 as Jason Mifsud met a precise pass from Raphinha. The match was seemingly on course for a draw but it was Hamrun who had the last laugh as they scored the dramatic goal on the stroke of time. It was Rodrigo who received a last throw from keeper Mifsud to storm in and arch the ball over the onrushing Attard to the delight of the the Spartans clan.
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic failed to collect the three points, earning just a point in a 2-2 draw against a resilient Swieqi United side. Swieqi showed remarkable spirit to hit back twice through a brace from Johansson after two strikes from Nicola del Re and Redeemer Borg turned the game in Lija’s favour.
In the Gatorade First Division, Sliema dropped their first points after four matches when they were held to a 4-4 draw by Mdina Knights at the Corradino Pavillion. Second placed Sirens failed to take advantage of Sliema’s slip after going down 8-5 to Qrendi while Mqabba moved a step closer for a play-off spot after seeing off Zebbug Rangers 6-2 in the Gatorade First Division. On the other hand, Marsaskala earned three precious points following a 6-5 win in a basement clash against Gozo.
STANDINGS:
Gatorade Elite Round:
Luxol 48, Hamrun 46, Valletta 40, Lija 32, Swieqi 24, Msida 22.
Gatorade First Division:
Sliema 29, Sirens 26, Żebbug 24, Mqabba 21, Mdina 16, Qrendi 14, Marsascala 13, Gozo 1.