Champions Hamrun Spartans dropped another two points as they were held in a 1-1 draw by Balzan in a match from the Opening Round of the 360Sports Malta Premier at the National Stadium on Saturday despite ending the game in ten men.
The Spartans join Floriana in fourth place, three points behind leaders Sliema, but the Greens have a game in hand. Balzan are currently seventh on five points.
For Hamrun, who were coming from a narrow defeat to Mosta in their previous outing, Celio started in goal while Matthias Ellul replaced the suspended Ryan Camenzuli. Balzan, on the other hand, had four changes as Gary Camilleri, the returning Jan Busuttil, Benjamin Hili and Awosanya Dimeji replaced Marcus Grima, Isaac Westendorf, Mosawer Ahadi and the suspended Nikola Zerjal.
Hamrun managed to take the lead on 34 minutes when Raphael Lopes received a perfect through pass by Roko Prsa and rounded the goalkeeper as he pulled to the left, placing the ball inside the empty net.
Ten minutes in the second half, Balzan were awarded a penalty after Sven Xerri floored Awosanya inside the area and from the penalty spot, Udoyen Akpan converted.
However, sixteen minutes from time, Balzan were reduced to ten men after Henri Stanic received two yellow cards in quick succession for sarcastically applauding a referee’s decision.