Hamrun Spartans kept the pace with leaders Floriana as they registered a narrow win over Gzira United at the National Stadium on Saturday despite ending the game in ten men.
The Spartans stay two points behind the Greens while the Maroons remain joint-eighth with Balzan
Hamrun could have taken the lead on the 14th when they had an angled shot by Luke Montebello which hit the crossbar.
Gzira, however, were unlucky to high the woodwork two minutes from the end of the first half when Zachary Scerri served Gabriel Bohrer whose fine shot from outside the area hit the upright with Marchetti beaten
Three minutes in added time, Hamrun forged ahead when off a Juan Corbalan cross from the right, Seth Paintsil controlled the ball, seemingly with his arm, with Roko Prsa heading home from close range.
The Spartans were reduced to ten men on the 69th minute after Emerson Marcelina picked a second yellow card.