Hamrun Spartans maintained the challenge for the title with a comfortable 4-1 win over Santa Lucia at the National Stadium on Saturday.
A win which puts them, at least temporarily, one point ahead of Floriana before the Greens’ clash with Marsaxlokk.
Santa Lucia, on the other hand, remain entangled in the battle against relegation as they stay just two points ahead of Mosta and five ahead of Valletta with the latter two having a game in hand.
Hamrun took the lead on the 16th minute when off an assist by Jonny from the right, Luke Montebello’s shot was partially saved by Celio with the Malta international striker insisting for the ball to push it beyond the goal line.
Just before the end of the first half, the Spartans doubled the score courtesy of Seth Paintsil who slotted the ball past the Santa Lucia goalkeeper following an assist by Eder from the left.
Two minutes in the second half, Hamrun scored the third goal when they were awarded a penalty after Jurgen Pisani floored Emerson Bruno Domingos inside the area and Jonny converted from the penalty spot.
Santa Lucia pulled one back on 65 minutes when Godwin Mensah intercepted the ball following an erratic pass by Krstic and served Alessio Piazza on the left who beat goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.
However five minutes in added time, Hamrun scored the fourth goal when Gonzalo Virano floored Gabriel Vella inside the area – a foul which also cost him a second yellow card; referee Fyodor Zammit ordered a penalty and Ederson Bruno Domingos converted.