Matthew Guillaumier scored deep into stoppage time to earn Ħamrun Spartans a dramatic 1-1 draw against leaders Floriana at the National Stadium, keeping the champions within two points of the top in the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round.

Floriana looked set to take a decisive step in the title race when Kenan Dervišagić gave them an early lead and their defence appeared to have contained Ħamrun’s attempts to get back into the match. However, a costly lapse in the dying seconds allowed Guillaumier to fire home the equaliser and snatch a valuable point.

Ħamrun coach Giacomo Modica made two changes from the side that beat Marsaxlokk, bringing in Danilo Bulevardi and Jonny, while Floriana’s Daniel Portela introduced Kenan Dervišagić, Dunstan Vella, Aristide Mabea and Paul Mbong into the starting line-up.

Floriana went ahead after 12 minutes when Dervišagić beat the offside trap. His initial effort was blocked by Sven Xerri, but the Bosnian forward reacted quickest to score from the rebound.

Ħamrun struggled to respond immediately, though Xerri went close with a header from a Guillaumier corner on 22 minutes, and Bulevardi fired just over shortly after as the Spartans enjoyed more possession. Floriana remained dangerous on the break, with Mendonça heading narrowly over from a Jake Grech corner.

Modica made a double substitution on 35 minutes, introducing Emerson Marcelina and Michele Carboni in a bid to inject pace and creativity. The Spartans started the second half strongly, with Jonny denied by a combination of defenders after good work by Xerri, but clear chances remained scarce despite their territorial dominance.

Floriana appeared comfortable as the match entered its closing stages, and Ħamrun’s best opportunities were limited to set pieces and half chances, including a late Carboni effort that was blocked.

But in the first minute of stoppage time, the champions found a way through. After a blocked run into the area, the ball fell kindly to Guillaumier, who unleashed a powerful strike past Cioletti to rescue a point and keep the title race finely poised.