MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

Deserved win for the champions

(F. de Andrade 26’, J. Camilleri 45’)

P. Galea, F. Debono, A. Debono, M. Azzopardi, B. Njoku, N. Filipov, M. Formosa, J. Portelli, S. Rais, J. Camilleri, F. de Andrade.

C. Mercieca, F. Camilleri (A. Grech), M. Tabone, J. Mercieca, D. Shakic, D. Mercieca, J.P. Mizzi, M. Mamo, M. Stojanovic (L. Camilleri), M. Cvetic, J. Debrincat.

   Champions Sannat Lions started their defense of the title on a good note and defeated Kercem Ajax with two goals scored during the first period.  Sannat were the better side during the first half and administered play during the second period.  The Lions had Mark Muscat missing for this match due to an injury while Kercem had Milan Cvetic making a return for his side.  In this match Sannat were determined to make up for the disappointing performance in the final of the Independence Cup.  They were more determined and disciplined throughout the ninety minutes so that the points obtained were well deserved.  On the other hand, Kercem had a quiet start and found it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities.

   Although Kercem shared possession of the ball during the initial stages, the Lions created the better scoring opportunities.  In the 6^th minute an angled shot by John Camilleri ended wide and one minute later goalie Courtney Mercieca saved a shot from outside the area by Sabri Rais. 

   The same goalkeeper was called to make a difficult save in the 14^th minute to turn in corner a low angled shot by Jason Portelli.  Three minutes later Kercem’s goalkeeper once again turned in corner a close ranged shot by John Camilleri.  Sannat opened the score on 26 minutes.  A shot by John Camilleri was partially saved by the goalkeeper and from the rebound Fernando de Andrade placed in the corner with a low shot.  Kercem’s reaction arrived in the 31^st minute through an effort by Milos Stojanovic that was blocked by goalie Paul Galea.  Minutes later Josef Buttigieg headed wide a good cross by Dylan Mercieca.  In the final stages of the first half Sannat produced some good scoring opportunities.  In the 42^nd minute Jason Portelli hit badly from a good position after receiving from De Andrade. Sannat doubled the score in the 45^th minute through a lob by John Camilleri following a through pass by Fernando de Andrade.

    Kercem came out more aggressive after the break but Sannat could have increased the score on 49 minutes when a low shot by John Camilleri was well saved by goalie Mercieca.  In the 53^rd minute Kercem replied with a good strike by Marlon Mamo ended just wide and one minute later a shot from outside the area by Josef Denrincat was well saved by goalie Paul Galea.  Sannat’s goalie Galea was once again called to make a difficult save on 56 minutes following a shot by Milos Stojanovic and three minutes later an effort by Jean Paul Mizzi ended just over the crossbar.  On the hour of play Sannat operated a fast break but Fernando de Andrade had a lob over goalie Mercieca ended inches away from goal.  In the 75^th minute Kercem’s goalkeeper made a good save to block an effort by Jason Portelli and from the resultant action Jason Portelli netted from close distance but the goal was disallowed because the assistant referee noted that the cross crossed the line and turned into the pitch.  Seven minutes form time Sannat were reduced to ten players when Fernando de Andrade was sent off for a second caution received for simulation.  One minute from regular time Sannat’s goalie Galea blocked a low shot by Milan Cvetic who entered the area with a personal action.

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

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