Ħamrun Spartans secured their first victory of the VBet Malta Premier season after coming from behind to defeat Żabbar St Patrick in a hard-fought encounter at the Centenary Stadium.

The Spartans found themselves trailing after just 15 minutes but refused to panic and gradually took control of proceedings. Despite repeatedly being frustrated by Żabbar goalkeeper Patrik Mohorovic, Ħamrun eventually turned the match around through goals from Marcelo and Marcello Trotta.

Ħamrun enjoyed the majority of possession during the opening half but initially struggled to translate their dominance into clear scoring opportunities.

Instead, it was Żabbar who struck first. Kean Scicluna was adjudged to have fouled Vinicius Mendonca inside the penalty area, with the decision confirmed following a Football Video Support review. Mario Fontanella stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to give Żabbar the lead.

The champions responded by increasing the pressure on the Żabbar defence, but Mohorovic proved difficult to beat.

Rafael Compri tested the goalkeeper with a firm drive in the 32nd minute before Mohorovic produced another excellent stop to keep out Ognjen Bjelicic.

The Żabbar custodian continued his impressive display with two more important interventions, first denying Ryan Camenzuli and then Ante Coric as Ħamrun laid siege to his goal.

However, the pressure eventually told. Jake Grech burst into the penalty area before squaring for Marcelo, who prodded the ball home to restore parity.

Ħamrun continued where they left off after the interval and Mohorovic was again called into action ten minutes into the second half, pushing away an effort from Coric.

Żabbar threatened at the other end in the 62nd minute, but Joao Carnago failed to find the target.

The decisive goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining. Grech’s cross-shot was parried by Mohorovic, but Trotta reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired home to complete Ħamrun’s comeback.

After a difficult opening to their league campaign, the victory finally gave Ħamrun their first three-point haul of the season, while Żabbar were left empty-handed despite having taken an early lead.