Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1101649
28 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 APRIL 2019 BOV PREMIER LEAGUE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG HAMRUN suffered a blow to their chances of clinching a spot inside the Europa League as they were held in a 2-2 draw by Senglea. Hamrun came into this match looking to secure a win in order to remain in pole position for a place in the Europa League. The Spartans were coming from a 2-1 win over Qormi. On the other hand, Senglea also needed to take something from the match as they are still risking relegation. Vincenzo Potenza's men were coming from a 2-2 draw against Tarx- ien Rainbows. The first half was quite bal- anced. Hamrun saw more of the ball; however, they failed to capitalise. Meanwhile, Sen- glea were dangerous every time they went inside Hamrun's half and managed to build a 1-0 ad- vantage prior to half-time. Senglea created the first chance on goal after 16 min- utes. Matias Garcia drilled a low shot that was neutralised by Bartolo. Hamrun hit back immediate- ly. Caetano Calil fired a power- ful shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced a good save from Matthew Farrugia. Senglea went close again on the 19th minute. Following a corner, Gary Camilleri's effort was saved by Bartolo. Senglea's edge in front of goal paid off on the 33rd minute. Gonzalo Virano played Leight- on Grech through and the lat- ter ran inside the penalty area before firing a stunning shot that gave Bartolo no chance. The post denied Hamrun from equalising on the 42nd minute. Criaco's delivery went into the path of Kevin Tulim- ieri whose close range effort stamped off the post. The same player was denied by the post again two minutes later. This time, Tulimieri went on an excellent run inside the penalty area before firing a powerful shot that hit the up- right. As expected, Hamrun started the second half eager to equal- ise and had an excellent oppor- tunity on the 52nd minute. Cri- aco delivered a cross towards the unmarked Tulimieri who was denied by Sen- glea's custodian. Tulimieri finally managed to score for Hamrun a minute lat- er. Following a corner, the Italian received the ball from Caruana and headed the ball past Farrugia. Despite Hamrun's goal, Senglea re- mained focused and regained their lead on the 63rd minute. Grech served Taisei Marukawa inside the penalty area and the latter sent a shot from an angled position that ended up inside the net. Hamrun drew level once more on the 79th minute. Sen- glea's defender failed to clear their marks following a free- kick, the ball fell into the path of Carlos Henneberg whose ac- robatic effort from close range went behind Farrugia. Senglea suffered a set-back during the additional time as Augusto Caseres was sent off after being shown his second yellow card of the match. Despite having an extra man, Hamrun didn't have enough time to react as Senglea held on to take a precious point. Following this result, Hamrun are on level points with Sliema Wanderers that, like Hamrun, are eager to compete in next season's Europa League. Senglea Athletic starting line-up: Matthew Farrugia, Taisei Marukawa, El Mehdi Sidqy, Zachary Cassar, Leight- on Grech (Bradley Schembri- 89), Gonzalo Leyton, Diego Venancio, Gary Camilleri, Nicholas Gonzalo VIrano, Ma- tias Garcia, Augusto Caseres Hamrun Spartans starting line-up: Emmanuel Bartolo, Enrico Pepe, Triston Caruana, Carlos Henneberg, Andre` Charles Scicluna, Conor Borg (Sebastian Nayar- 51), Marco Criaco, Karl Micallef, Orestis Nikolopoulos, Caetano Calil (Ryan Darmanin- 74), Kevin Tulimieri Referee: Darryl Agius Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Duncan Spencer Fourth Official: Mario Apap BOV Player of the Match: Leighton Grech (Senglea) Hamrun held by Senglea Senglea Athletic Hamrun Spartans 2 2