Hamrun Spartans claimed their first three points thanks to a 3-1 win over newly-promoted Zabbar St. Patrick in a match from the 360Sports Malta Premier at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
The Saints made life difficult for the Spartans, especially during the first half, although the latter managed to take the lead. In the second half, Zabbar equalised but Hamrun hit back with two goals to collect the three points.
Zabbar coach Joao Janeiro named no less than eight new signings in the starting line-up with Matthew Grech, Leo Agius and David Oliveira the only players from last season’s squad to make it to the starting eleven. Alessandro Zinnari, on the other hand, handed Mayron, Talison, Wendel Barros and Raphael Lopes their league debut for Hamrun.
The Spartans went close on 31 minutes when off a Ryan Camenzuli cross from the left, Talison hit the crossbar with a lob from the right.
Eight minutes from the end of the first half, Hamrun managed to take the lead when Roko Prsa served Raphael Lopes inside the area and the latter slotted the ball past goalkeeper Matthew Grech.
Raphael Lopes almost doubled the score on 44 minutes when he advanced all alone and beat goalkeeper Grech but Djordje Jovicic came to the rescue clearing the ball off the goal line.
Zabbar were unlucky not to equalise on 64 minutes when off a corner from the right, Sean Gatt hit the crossbar with a header.
However, on 73 minutes, Zabbar were not to be denied when off a corner from the left, David Oliveira headed home in style past goalkeeper Henry Bonello.
Five minutes later, Hamrun regained the lead. Ryan Camenzuli delivered a cross from the left and Joseph Mbong rose high to head home from close range.
One minute from time, Hamrun scored the third goal when they were awarded a penalty after Sean Gatt was adjudged to have fouled Eder inside the area and Luke Montebello converted from the penalty spot.