Hamrun Spartans scored three in the first half to beat one of the three bottom teams, Santa Lucia, 3-1 at the National Stadium on Sunday to keep the pressure on leaders Floriana.
The Spartans moved temporarily on level points with the Greens ahead of the latter’s clash with Marsaxlokk later on Sunday. Santa Lucia, on the other hand, continue to share the bottom spot with Gudja United and Sirens.
Hamrun had a perfect start, taking the lead on the 3rd minute when off a cross by Luke Montebello from the left, Yulian Nenov headed the ball home past goalkeeper Celio.
The Spartans doubled the score on the half hour when off a freekick from the left, Emerson Marcelina served Luke Montebello who slotted home from close range. A goal which brought harsh protests by the Santa Lucia players over a dubious offside position.
Three minutes in added time, Hamrun scored the third goal when off an assist by Juan Corbalan from the left, Uros Djuranovic flicked the ball home past the Santa Lucia goalkeeper.
Santa Lucia pulled one back eight minutes in the second half when off a cross from the right, Alessio Piazza headed the ball down for Tatsuro Nagamatsu to hit low past goalkeeper Henry Bonello.