glory

Hamrun Spartans is a club with great history. It was founded in 1907. Has won few titles in its early history and passed through lots of ups and downs. Though the boys from Mile-End, Hamrun Liberty managed to make a name and revived Hamrun's fate by winning the league coming up from lower division in late 40's, the golden era of the club came in the 80's and early 90's. The Spartans managed to win 22 honors in 10 years.

Early 80's
The club had passed through difficult periods in these years. However talents from the Liberty, that acted as a nursery, where flourishing. A base for a great team was being established.
In 1982 the spartans had the 75th anniversary. Victor Tedesco was the club president. The reds managed to win both league and trophy, and the celebrations were enormous and in style. The Trophy final saw the Spartans beating Valletta 2-0.

During the season 1983-84 the Spartans managed to win the throphy again. Remembered players of that time were Goalkeeper Alan Zammit, Young Talents like Alex Azzopardi, Leo Refalo, Michael Degiorgio, and Konrad Sultana who's goal was decisive in a trophy win against Zurrieq.
Then also one should mention Raymond 'Webber' and George Xuereb, and also Edwin Farrugia who added experience to the side. The Spartans became also the unique team to win a double in a European cup competition when they defeated Ballymena Utd 1-0 and 2-1.. In the season 1985/86 Hamrun won the Euro Cup with a 1-0 win against Rabat Ajax.
More Successes
Hamrun Spartans started a winning run that seemed unstoppable. In the season 1986/87 Hamrun won the League, Trophy and Super Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the season. The trophy final was against Sliema and was won 2-1. In the Super Cup the Spartans trashed Valletta 3-0. Their unbeaten run continued in the following season until it was ended by Sliema. It was a defeat that could not stop the Spartans from winning the League, Trophy and Super Cup again for the second successive season. The Trophy was won against Floriana 4-2..with Stefan Sultana and Leo Refalo scoring two goals each. The Super Cup against Sliema was decided in extra-time by the opportunism of Leo Refalo. In the season 1988/89 the league went to Sliema Wanderers, but Hamrun showed that they were the team to beat by winning the Trophy, Super Cup and Euro Cup again. In the Trophy the Spartans had a memorable match against Valletta which they won 4-1. Leo Refalo scored an unforgettable hat-trick with the other goal coming from 'Maestro' Raymond 'Mundu' Vella with a curling cross-shot. In the final against Floriana, the Spartans were missing Barry Gallacher who was injured against Valletta. Youngster Jesmond Pace replaced him and in the 15th minute scored the decisive goal that gave the Trophy to Hamrun for the third season in a row. The Spartans added the Super Cup by winning against Sliema. The game was decided on penalties. With the game finishing 3-3 it was the English goalkeeper Ian Leigh who settled all by saving 2 penalties and scoring his. Leigh was the regular penalty taker of the Spartans and he never missed one.
1989/90 was not a season to remember as Hamrun remained without any honour. Something that was quite unusual at that time. The league went to Valletta. However the Spartans managed to spoil Valletta's celebrations in the final league match. The citizens were still unbeaten and were aiming to remain like. The last match of the league was Hamrun vs Valletta. The Spartans had nothing to play for but they played well. Leo Refalo continued his personal account against Valletta by putting the Reds in front. Then former Hamrun player Joe 'Brimba' Zarb scored the equaliser through a penalty. However as the final whistle approached, Ray Vella snatched the winner with a first timer from outside the box.
The next season the Spartans returned to their winning style when they were crowned Champions again. Hamrun won also the Super Cup against Valletta on penalties. Again Ian Leigh proved decisive. First he saved Laferla's penalty and then scored the winning one.