Hamrun Spartans registered a third consecutive win as they defeated Hibernians 2-1 in a match from the BOV Premier League Top Six final round at the National Stadium on Monday.
The Paolites, therefore missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead on top of the table while Hamrun renewed the challenge for a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League this summer. They move third, two points ahead of Birkirkara and Gzira but the Stripes will be in action later on Monday.
Hamrun managed to take the lead on 34 minutes when off a Faissal El Bakhtaoui corner from the left, Arthur Oyama addressed the ball into the direction of Darko Gojkovic who slotted the ball past Ibrahim Kone from close range.
However three minutes later, Hibs restored equilibrium when following a good move between Ferdinando Apap, Jurgen Degabriele and Jake Grech, the latter’s cross was deflected, reaching Gabriel Izquier Artiles who controlled the ball before hitting past Bonello.
On the hour, Franklin Sasere hit the woodwork with a header off a cross by El Bakhtaoui.
Nine minutes later, Hamrun regained the lead when Faissal El Bakhtaoui entered the area, only to be brought down by Ali Diakite and the Hamrun forward made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Hibs went close to equalising on the 75th with Andrei Agius controlling a corner by Izquier and hitting the foot of the upright from close range.
