Matias Garcia was the hero for Hamrun Spartans as he notched a brace in a 3-1 win over Floriana in a match from the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round league phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Wednesday.
The Spartans, therefore, returned to winning ways to close in on a Top 6 finish as they now lie three points behind joint-leaders Valletta and Floriana and one ahead of Sliema Wanderers.
Hamrun managed to take the lead on 10 minutes when off a cross by Garcia from the right, N’Dri Koffi headed the ball in the direction of Joseph Mbong who headed the ball towards Eder who served Koffi and the French-Ivorian forward anticipated goalkeeper Cioletti to place the ball at the back of the net.
Just before the end of the first half, the Spartans doubled the score. Semir Smajlagic concluded a good move on the right with an assist for Matias Garcia whose fine shot from outside the area gave the Floriana goalkeeper no chance.
Two minutes in the second half, Matias Garcia made it 3-0 when he intercepted a pass by Cioletti for M’Mombwa and his conclusion from the edge of the area saw the ball hit the foot of the upright before ending at the back of the net.
Four minutes later, the Spartans were reduced to ten men after Eder headbutted Zachary Scerri.
Floriana scored a consolation goal eight minutes from time when off a corner, Iago Mendonca had a shot deflected by Henry Bonello with substitute Mustapha Jah heading home from close range.