Hamrun Spartans moved top in the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round Top 6 as they defeated Valletta 1-0 at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Spartans move on 25 points, two ahead of Floriana and three ahead of Valletta but the Greens have a game in hand. For the Citizens, this was the second successive defeat.
Mid-way through the first half, Valletta appealed for a penalty for what they thought was a foul on Yuri but the referee’s decision was confirmed following FVS review.
Two minutes in added time, referee Slobodan Petrovic ordered a penalty after Emerson Marcelina was adjudged as having floored Yuri Messias but following FVS review, the decision was reversed.
The Spartans managed to take the lead two minutes in the second half courtesy of Ognjen Bjelicic who received an assist by Joseph Mbong and beat goalkeeper Adilson Maringa with a fine shot from outside the area.
Hamrun Spartans had an appeal for a penalty for 76 minutes turned down by referee Petrovic following FVS review as Koffi was challenged by Steve Borg outside the area. Eight minutes later, Hamrun challenged the referee’s decision over a potential red card over an alleged foul on Koffi outside the area but Petrovic confirmed his decision following FVS review.
