Hamrun and Gżira collect a point each

In a match between the newly promoted sides, Mesqueu Neto Jorge cancelled Antonio Neto's opener, as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw.
 

Jake Grech of Hamrun controlling possesion at the centre of the pitch. Photo: Christine Borg
Jake Grech of Hamrun controlling possesion at the centre of the pitch. Photo: Christine Borg

Hamrun came into this match with a lot of confidence after beating Hibernians 3-1 in their previous encounter. On the other hand, Gżira were coming from a 1-1 draw against Tarxien Rainbows.

The Maroons were the better side throughout the first half and went close after twelve minutes. Rafael Ledesma went forward on the right flank, before firing a shot that was deflected by David Cassar.

Gżira managed to go ahead on the 38th minute, when from a corner, Ledesma sent a cross that found Antonio Neto, who placed the ball into the net.

Ten minutes into the second half, Philip Chircop went down the right flank, before firing a shot that was parried by Jurgen Borg.

A minute later, Borg was on the alert again when from a free kick, Mifsud Triganza fired a shot on target that was saved by the young goalkeeper.

On the 66th minute, Hamrun managed to equalise. From a free kick, Motta Dos Santos delivered a cross towards the goal area that was met by Mesqueu Neto Jorge, who fired a header behind Borg to make it 1-1.

Hamrun Spartans controlled possession in the remaining minutes, but Gżira’s defence kept firm to deny the Spartans their second win of the season.

BOV player of the match: Jorge Mesqueu Neto (Hamrun).

Gżira starting line-up: Jurgen Borg, Joceano Da Silva Santos, GianMarco Conti, Rafael Pompeo Ledesma, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Moises Avila Perez, Jacob Borg, Souleymane Diamoutene, Antonio Neto, Yanis Tonna, Robert De Souza.

Hamrun Spartans starting line-up: David Cassar, Philip Chircop, Glenn Azzopardi, Mark Anthony Borg, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Luke Sciberras, Luke Grech, Patrick Jean Teixeira Maia, Jake Grech, Ryan Spiteri, Nanapere Saturday.

Referre: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant referees: William Debattista, Jurgen Spiteri.

Fourth Official: Clayton Pisani.