Jefferson hat-trick stuns Hamrun

Jefferson de Assis scored three goals in eight minutes as Gzira United came from behind to beat Hamrun Spartans 4-1 at the National Stadium on Saturday. 

The Maroons, therefore, returned to winning ways and now lie just three points behind the Spartans. The Spartans, on the other hand, have now gone four matches without a win after three draws in the previous three matches.

Hamrun had four changes from their last outing due to the absence of the suspended Karl Micallef, Claude Dielna and Emerson Marcelina apart from Matthew Guillaumier who moved to Siena on loan.

Following a goalless first half during which Maxuell Maia was unlucky to hit the crossbar with a shot from inside the area on the 7th minute, Hamrun took the lead four minutes in the second half thanks to Franklin Sasere who slotted the ball past Zarkov when served by Ailton Soares.

Three minutes later, Gzira levelled matters courtesy of Jefferson de Assis who hit home from close range after Steve Pisani anticipated Darko Gojkovic who attempted a back-pass to the goalkeeper.

The Maroons went 2-1 ahead on the 54th when off a shot by Zach Scerri from the right, Predrag Djordjevic deflected the ball and Jefferson de Assis headed the ball home.

Five minutes later, following a good run on the right flank, Maxuell Maia served Jefferson de Assis who hit low past Bonello.

Two minutes from time, Gzira made it 4-1 courtesy of Maxell Maia who received an assist by Jackson Mendoza on the right, beating the Hamrun goalkeeper with an angled shot.