Ħamrun Spartans reignited their YoHealth Malta Premier title push with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Hibernians at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Joseph Mbong proved the difference-maker, heading home the decisive goal midway through the second half to secure three vital points that moved the Spartans to within two of leaders Floriana. The win also served as swift revenge for last week’s Super Cup final defeat to the Paolites and ended a two-match winless run for Giacomo Modica’s side.

Ħamrun dictated proceedings from the outset and nearly capitalised on a defensive lapse after ten minutes when Hibernians goalkeeper Constantin Branescu misjudged his clearance under pressure from Shaisen Attard. Matthias Ellul recovered just in time to avert the danger.

Despite their territorial dominance, clear-cut chances were limited. On 33 minutes, Matthew Guillaumier launched a quick break and released Jonny, whose effort was blocked, with Attard firing the rebound wide. Hibernians’ best opportunity of the first half arrived six minutes later when Kevin Halabaku’s deflected strike looped just over the bar.

The Spartans finished the half strongly. Mbong teed up Danilo Bulevardi at the far post, but the Italian volleyed wide, while Ryan Camenzuli also failed to test Branescu.

Ħamrun maintained their momentum after the interval and finally broke the deadlock on 55 minutes. Jonny’s cross was cleverly flicked on by Guillaumier into Mbong’s path, and the winger powered a dipping header past Branescu.

Mbong thought he had doubled the advantage moments later with a superb finish into the top corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Branescu then kept Hibernians in the contest with saves from Camenzuli and Guillaumier, while Jonny and Mbong both squandered opportunities to seal the result.

In stoppage time, the Hibs goalkeeper produced another outstanding one-handed stop to deny Guillaumier, but the Spartans held firm to register a morale-boosting victory and keep the pressure on at the top of the standings.