Hamrun Spartans maintained hopes of securing second place and hence a Championship final with Floriana after defeating the Greens 4-1 in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round Top 6 at the National Stadium on Saturday.
A win which puts the Spartans three points clear of Marsaxlokk, who have a game against Valletta in hand.
Hamrun managed to take the lead on 7 minutes when off an assist by Matias Garcia from the right, Kurtalic slipped inside the area and Blessing Chibuike Eleke had the easiest of jobs in beating goalkeeper Pablo Picon.
Floriana levelled matters on 23 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Paul Mbong was brought down inside the area by Ryan Camenzuli and Zachary Scerri converted.
The Greens threatened once again with a Rui Areias header ending just over the bar on 25 minutes and ten minutes later, 35 minutes, Hamrun went close with a close range Eleke effort blocked by Picon and off the rebound, another effort from close range by Joseph Mbong was also blocked.
The two teams continued to share the exchanges in the second half but on 73 minutes, Hamrun went close with a powerful shot by Matthew Guillaumier from outside the area which ended just wide and two minutes later, Joseph Mbong had a shot from the left blocked by the Floriana goalkeeper with Garcia having a shot from outside the area off the rebound, neutralised by the goalkeeper. An Eder effort from inside the area was saved in two attempts by Picon seconds later.
Hamrun notched the winner on 78 minutes when Joseph Mbong pounced on a through ball and after rounding the goalkeeper, he placed the ball at the back of the net.
Four minutes from time, Joseph Mbong sealed the issue with a third goal as he entered the area from the right, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Pablo Picon.
However, it was not over yet as one minute in added time, Michele Carboni added another with a low shot from the edge of the area when served by Jonny.