MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

MATCH DECIDED WITH FIRST-HALF GOALS

(N. Filipov 17’, F. de Andrade 25’)

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

(M. Cordina 28’,)

A. Parnis, J. Refalo, S. Gatt, A. Williams, C. Sciortino, M. Buttigieg, J. Vella, A. Adesina, I. Adesina, L. Dimech, M. Cordina.

  Sannat Lions and SK Victoria Wanderers shared the spoils in the last match of the first round for the two sides.  The final result was quite just but not at all satisfactory for either side.  Both Sannat and Victoria were coming from a defeat in their previous match and needed the three points to keep their challenge for the top position.  He match produced some exciting moments during the first period but disappointed after the break as both teams did not manage to create good scoring opportunities.  SK Victoria Wanderers had central defender David Udo Monday missing due to suspension.

  The Lions were more aggressive in the first stages of the match.  In the 4^th minute goalie Adrian Parnis was called to make a good intervention to block a header by Fernando de Andrade following a cross by Mark Formosa.  Two minutes later Sannat were again dangerous through a first timer by Fernando de Andrade from a cross by Paul Spiteri that was well saved by goalie Parnis.  Minutes later a lob by the same de Andrade missed the target.  Sannat took a deserved lead on 17 minutes through a header by Nikolai Filipov following a cross from the flank by Paul Spiteri.  The citizens replied on 20 minutes through an attempt by Joseph Vella that was saved with difficulty by goalie Paul Galea.  However, Sannat were again dangerous two minutes later with an inviting cross by Filipov, but de Andrade failed to connect.  Seconds later an effort by Jason Portelli following a solo action ended just wide.  In the 23^rd minute Fernando de Andrade had another attempt that missed the target but the Brazilian striker doubled the score two minutes later through a header from a corner kick by Jason Portelli.  The Wanderers managed to re-open the issue on 28 minutes when Manuel Cordina reduced the deficit with a low shot after receiving a through pass by Ige Adesina.  Sannat tried to regain the two-goal cushion but Victoria’s rearguard took measures to protect their area.  Victoria also gained some confidence and in the 43^rd minute concluded wide following a confused action in Sannat’s area.  In the following action Victoria’s goalie Parnis went out of his area to block a counter break by John Camilleri.  In the dying moments of the first half Victoria produced some pressure and were dangerous through a good effort by Ige Adesina following a cross by Joseph Vella.  Victoria levelled the score in the 5^th minute of stoppage time of the first period through another goal by Manuel Cordina following a pass by ige Adesina.  Seconds later an attempt by Lauran Dimech was blocked in corner by Sannat’s rearguard.

  For the second period play took place mainly in the midfield as the two defensive departments managed to block the respective strikers.  Victoria only managed to create danger through two shots from outside the area by Chris Sciortino that were blocked by the defence.  Sannat on the other hand had a cross shot by Paul Spiteri on 50 minutes that hit the crossbar and in another occasion goalie Parnis blocked well on de Andrade who was alone in the area.  In the 90^th minute the Lions were unlucky when a header by Benneth Njoku from a free kick by Mark Formosa hit the post.  The Wanderers ended with a player less in the third minute of stoppage time when Chris Sciortino was shown a second yellow card.

Referee: Gordon Barbara

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