Ħamrun Spartans made it five wins in a row in the Gatorade Futsal League after a 22-3 mauling of bottom team Qrendi.

The Spartans’ success was never in doubt after cruising to a 10-1 advantage before the half-time break.

The pattern of the match didn’t change after the interval as Spartans talisman Raphinha shot into the limelight with eight goals.

Raphinha’s Brazilian counterpart, Michel Jose Melo, was also in fine form, hitting four goals against Qrendi for whom Antonello Brincat, Craig Pickard and Owen Fiteni scored the consolation goals.

Doubles from Jovica Milijic, Mohammed Elamari, Denis di Maio and Dylan Musu, and a goal from Juergen Pace, handed Valletta an important 9-3 victory over Msida St Joseph to keep the pace with the front-runners in the championship standings.

The Citizens dominated for long stretches, holding possession and attacking Msida who were unable to cope with the pace of their opponents.

Floren Manea (2) and Armando Gjepali were on target for the losing team.

Champions Luxol obtained their fourth win after hammering Mqabba 9-2 while Lija Athletic made it two wins on the trot as they saw off Żebbuġ Rangers 5-1.

Iran international Ebrahim Massoudi contributed to Lija’s win with four goals.

The championship resumes today with two other matches as Valletta entertain Swieqi while Luxol start favourites to beat winless Marsascala and join the Spartans at the top of the table.

Standings
Ħamrun 15; Valletta, Luxol 12; Lija, Swieqi, Msida 9; Mdina, Żebbuġ, Sirens 6; Sliema, Mqabba 3; Qrendi, Gozo, Marsascala 0.