Ħamrun Spartans dropped two valuable points in the YoHealth Malta Premier as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Żabbar St Patrick at the National Stadium.

The Malta champions dominated possession but failed to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Żabbar side who played the final 20 minutes with ten men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Manuel Djalo.

For Żabbar, it marked an encouraging start under new coach Gilbert Agius, earning their first point of the Closing Round and boosting their survival hopes.

First-half stalemate

Ħamrun controlled the ball for long stretches in the opening half, but Żabbar looked threatening on the counter. The Saints created the first chance after 10 minutes when Majok Ayom carved out space on the edge of the area, only to fire just over.

The Spartans struggled to create clear openings and had to wait until the 31st minute for their first real opportunity, with Shaisen Attard cutting inside before seeing his effort saved by Djalo.

Żabbar responded soon after when Brian Gambarte found room and drove narrowly wide. Ħamrun were then forced into an early change when Rafael Compri picked up an injury and was replaced by Emerson Marcelina.

Red card but no breakthrough

Ħamrun increased the tempo after the interval, and their task appeared to become easier on 64 minutes when Djalo brought down Jonny on the edge of the area and was shown a straight red card.

Despite the numerical advantage, the Spartans struggled to break down the visitors. Substitute goalkeeper Ignacio Colombo produced two key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

With eight minutes remaining, Jonny picked out Eder inside the area, but his header was brilliantly kept out by Colombo. The Argentine shot-stopper then denied Attard’s cross-shot as Żabbar held firm under sustained pressure.

The result is a missed opportunity for Ħamrun in the title race, while Żabbar leave with a hard-earned point and renewed confidence under their new coach.