Hamrun Spartans were held in a second consecutive 1-1 draw, by another newly-promoted side, Valletta, in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round at the National Stadium on Sunday.
The Spartans, who were coming from the 2-2 draw with RFS on Thursday, which enabled them to qualify for the league stage of the UEFA Conference League, conceded an early goal as it was the case in the first league game against Tarxien Rainbows and although they managed to equalise during the first half, they failed to turn the score in their favour.
For the Citizens, it was another fine performance and definitely deserved to take at least a point from this game.
Valletta managed to take the lead on 12 minutes when off a short freekick by Brandon Paiber, Yuri Messias’ fine effort saw the ball it the crossbar before ending at the back of the net.
Hamrun replied wth a cross from the left by Ryan Camenzuli from which Merlin Hadzi had a goal bound header cleared off the goal line by Steve Borg on 25 minutes.
The Spartans equalised on 34 minutes when Shaft Brewer Jr failed to control a pass by Steve Borg and Merlin Hadzi intercepted the ball and hit low past goalkeeper Adilson Maringa.
Ante Coric went close with a direct freekick ending just over the bar on 62 minutes but in added time, Henry Bonello came to the rescue blocking a Jefferson close range effort.