Malta round-up: Hamrun beat the drop

Hamrun Spartans FC secured their Maltese Premier League status at the weekend after edging a 1-0 victory against Marsa FC in their relegation decider at the National stadium.

Champions crowned
Sliema Wanderers FC had already won the championship – their first in six years – but were officially crowned champions on Sunday despite only managing a goalless draw with Birkirkara FC.

Bajada decider
On Saturday, Roderick Bajada’s 48th-minute goal was enough to ensure Hamrun narrowly avoided relegation. The midfield player retrieved a weak goal kick from Marsa keeper Maurizio Valastro and prodded in after exchanging passes with Gaetan Spiteri.

Third place
Valletta FC, meanwhile, drew 1-1 away with Hibernians FC to claim third place in the standings. The visitors went ahead two minutes into the second half when Beppe Pace converted Milen Penchev’s free-kick from the right. Hibernians equalised just 12 minutes later, Adrian Mifsud following up on a rebound from a shot by Sean Sullivan to score his 18th goal of the season.

Status sealed
Floriana FC had avoided the drop on Friday evening thanks to a resounding 3-0 defeat of relegated Mosta FC. Grigol Gvazava, Nicolo Baldaccino and Jonathan Holland were all on target.

Buhagiar leveller
Marsaxlokk FC and Pietà Hotspurs FC, who finished sixth, fought out a 1-1 draw the same day in a match where there was little at stake. Jamie Pace put the Hotspurs ahead just after the half-hour mark with his sixth goal of the campaign but Richard Buhagiar equalised four minutes from time.