A 2-1 defeat for Premier leaders Hibernians means the race for the league trophy is still wide open.
Hibs went into the game against Hamrun Spartans a day after Floriana, their closest rivals, were beaten by Gzira. A win would extend Hibs lead to five points, a draw would leave them three points clear of Floriana. A loss to Hamrun was not in the reckoning given that Hibs had hammered four past Floriana just before the international break.
The omens looked promising for Hibernians but football being football, omens often count for nothing.
Defending champions were in no mood to be generous and forged in front shortly after half an hour when Darko Gojkovic slotted the ball past Ibrahim Kone from close range. That lead lasted only minutes as Hibs struck back, Gabriel Izquier Artiles making it 1-1.
The second half failed to spark into life until Ali Diakite brough down Faissal El Bakhtaoui inside the box and the Hamrun forward made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Twenty minutes left and Hibs had no choice but to push men forward in search of the equaliser. Andre Agius had the best chance, his close range effort in a packed six-yard hitting the post.
Hamrun held on for the win, their third on the trot.
It now sets up an enticing clash between Hibernians and Floriana. When they met on March 12, Hibernians romped away to a 4-1 win. It is unlikely to be a similar result next Saturday.
