Hamrun Spartans re-joined Floriana on top the BOV Premier League table as a goal deep into stoppage time handed Luciano Zauri’s side the three points in the top-of-the-table clash at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Ironically, Floriana were a better side for most of the time and had the chance to take the lead early in the game when they were awarded a penalty but Hamrun goalkeeper Henry Bonello performed a good save. With the game heading for a draw, the Spartans had other thoughts and three minutes in added time, Hamrun managed to break the deadlock to take home the three points and hand Floriana their first defeat.
In fact, the Greens had an excellent opportunity to take the lead on the 13th minute when they were awarded a penalty when Steve Borg was adjudged to have floored Kemar Reid; however, Ulises Arias’ effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by Henry Bonello.
Bonello came to the rescue once again on the half-hour, saving a fine Owen Spiteri header off a corner from the right by Arias. Nine minutes later, Kemar Reid tried his luck with a powerful drive from outside the area ending just wide. In a swift counter break, Paintsil released Uros Djuranovic on the right but the latter hit just wide with a diagonal shot.
Hamrun thought they had taken the lead on the 68th minute when Joseph Mbong’s effort from outside the area was blocked by Kitanov on the goal line with Owen Spiteri clearing the all into safety.
Kemar Reid concluded a good run, when served by Dunstan Vella, with a shot from outside the area which was deflected into a corner by Bonello six minutes later. Luke Montebello was unlucky to hit the crossbar with a fine shot from outside the area on 82 minutes.
The Spartans notched the winner three minutes in added time when goalkeeper Georgi Kitanov only managed to deflect Joseph Mbong’s cross shot from the right and Luke Montebello headed the ball in the direction of Roko Prsa who tapped the ball home from close range.