A goal by Marcelo Barbosa Junior two minutes from time was enough for Hamrun Spartans to defeat Gudja United 1-0 at the National Stadium on Saturday to register the fourth win in as many matches.
For Gudja, this was the first defeat after two wins and a draw from the first three matches.
Hamrun were unlucky to hit the upright through Francis Olanitori Sasere on the 25th minute and eight minutes in the second half, a Marcelo Barbosa Junior hit the crossbar.
The Spartans had Darko Gojkovic sent off after receiving two yellow cards on the 58th minute.
Patrick Silva Mota hit the crossbar for Gudja on the 65th minute but the same player was sent off four minutes later after receiving a second yellow card.
The Spartans notched the winner two minutes from time thanks to Marcelo Barbosa Junior whose low shot beat Gudja goalkeeper Glenn Zammit.
GUDJA Glenn Zammit, Jurgen Farrugia, Yuri de Jesus Messias (86′ Tensior Gusman), Aidan Jake Friggieri (79′ Augusto Rene Caseres), Llywelyn Cremona, Gabriel Mensah, Dale Camilleri, Imanol Gonzalez Benac, James Brincat (75′ Neil Anthony Micallef), Juan Andres Bolanos, Patrick Silva Mota.
Subs not used: Jamie Azzopardi, Lee Pisani, Hubert Vella, Omar Rababah.
Coach: Jesmond ZammitHAMRUN Pablo Guillermo Sanchez, Darko Gojkovic, Matthew Guillaumier, Joseph Essien Mbong, Franklin Olanitori Sasere (74′ Imanol Iriberri), Ige Abdullahi Adeshina, Elkin Serrano Valero, Juan Carlos Corbalan, Karl Micallef, Marcelo Barbosa Junior, Emerson Marcelina.
Subs not used: Jonathan Debono, Christopher Galea, Xylon Portelli, Kieran Higgans, Sven Xerri, Darren Borg.
Coach: Mark ButtigiegReferee: Matthew De Gabriele
Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Darko Stankovic
Fourth Official: Andrea Sciriha
Yellow Cards: Bolanos, Mota, Gojkovic, Serrano
Red Cards: 58′ Darko Gojkovic; 69′ Patrick Silva Mota
BOV Player of the Match: Aidan Jake Friggieri