Champions Hamrun Spartans started their defense of the BOV Premier League title thanks to a narrow win over Balzan, with a solitary goal from Jonny do Nascimento Torres.
Hamrun handed Federico Marchetti, Elionay Freitas, Uros Djuranovic, Nemanja Krstic and Yuliyan Nenov their league debut
On the other hand, Balzan had six players, that played for for them in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Danilo Golovic, Andre Prates, Triston Caruana, Jake Grech, Ryohei Michibuchi and Manyluak Aguek, together with two new signings Leonardo da Silva de Souza and Aleksandar Katanic making their first league appearance.
The first half lacked goalmouth action with both goalkeepers practically having nothing to do. Although Hamrun were in control for most of the game, they failed to capitalise and secure a lead, despite forcing Balzan to defend for most of the opening period.
After the break Hamrun improved and early in the second half their pressure was rewarded when Jonny headed home. After suffering the goal, Balzan reacted and tried there best but could not find an equaliser as Hamrun held on.
However, for too long, this was a poor game between two sides locked for most of the first half in midfield. It was stale fare from two teams who should have produced much better.
In the opening half, Balzan were forced to defend for long periods with Aleksa Andrejic isolated up front with little attacking joy.
In the 9th minute, Balzan had one early scare when Joseph Mbong dashed on the right flank, his long ball was misjudged by the rearguard, and goalkeeper Danilo Golovic saved as Uros Duranovic was unable to take advantage.
Ognjen Bjelicic’s shot deflected off a defender bounced off the bar.
In the 42nd minute, Hamrun then had their best chance when Balzan defenders failed to clear the ball and a Elionay Freitas’s shot finished over the crossbar and on top of the net .
At the start of the second half, Hamrun made two changes as Henry Bonello replaced Federico Marchetti between the goalposts and Luke Montebello replaced Nemanja Krstic.
In the 47th minute, Hamrun came closest to breaking the deadlock when Roko Prsa’s free-kick found Steve Borg at the far post but his header finished just wide.
However in the 62nd minute, Ħamrun took the lead. Following a short corner kick by Prsa Roko from the left, substitute Luke Montebello sent a ball over the top of Balzan defence and JONNY DO NASCIMENTO TORRES timed his run to perfection before heading into the ground, with the ball finishing home at the top of the net.
Following this goal against them, Balzan, attempted to give a fresh impetus to their side by changing their tactics and start on the offense.
In the 63rd minute, Nikola Braunovic was replaced with Nikola Zerjal and a couple of minutes later, Aleksandar Katanic and Ryohei Michibuchi came in for Aleksa Andrejic and Leonardo Da Silva Souza.
In the 68th minute, Balzan reacted Aleksandar Katanic set Andre’ Prates but his shot, from the left finished, just over the crossbar.
In the 78th minute, Marcus Grima and Manyluak Aguek replaced Paul Fenech and Triston Caruana.
However there was little sign of any partnership between Manyluak Aguek and Aleksandar Katanic as the pair rarely linked to trouble Henry Bonello as Hamrun held on for the win.
Ħamrun Spartans : Federico Marchetti (Henrey Bonello 46‘), Steve Borg, Joseph Mbong, Roko Prsa, Elionay Freitas, Uros Duranovic (Ederson Bruno Domingo 88’) Ognejn Bjelicic, Nemanja Krstic (Luke Montebello 46’), Marcelina Emerson, Ryan Camenzuli, Jonny do Nascimento Torres (Yulian Rumenov Nenov 78’).
Balzan: Danilo Golovic, Ivan Bozovic, Andre’ Prates, Samir Arab, Triston Caruana (Mannylauk Aguek 78’), Paul Fenech (Marcus Grima 78’), Jake Grech, Nikola Braunovic (Nikola Zerjal 63’), Momcilo Raso, Leonardo da Silva Souza (Ryohei Michibuchi 67’), Aleksa Andrejic (Aleksandar Katanic 67’).
Referee: Daniel Portelli
BOV player of the match: Jonny do Nascimento Torres (Ħamrun Spartans)