MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

WANDERERS REVERT THE TREND

SK Victoria Wanderers registered a large victory over Sannat Lions to obtain three precious points which lifts them from the bottom of the table.  This was an important match for the two sides as Sannat need a victory to re-open their chances to defend the title while Victoria needed points in their tussle against relegation.  Victoria paved the way to the large victory with three goals scored during the first period.  They also managed to regain composure following Sannat’s first goal scored early into the second period to administer play for the rest of the match.  With this victory the Wanderers recovered from a series of disappointing results which saw them dropping in the lower zone of the table.  On the other hand Sannat had a disappointing performance.  They were coming from an important win and aimed to extend their recovery.  However, they only managed to remain in contention during the first half hour of play as their reaction in the early stages of the second period was short-lived.  The protagonist of the match was undoubtedly Victoria’s striker Manwel Cordina who scored four personal goals.

Play was quite balanced in the early stages as the two sides were prudent in an attempt to protect their area.  However, the Wanderers created more dangerous actions.  On 8 minutes a shot on the run by Manwel Cordina following a through pass by Ige Adesina ended just wide.  On the quarter of an hour a free kick by Joseph Vella ended just over the crossbar.  The citizens opened the score on 23 minutes.  Manwel Cordina passed through Sannat’s rearguard and placed in goal with a low angled shot.  Sannat’s reaction arrived on 29 minutes but goalie Adrian Parnis saved in time before De Andrade could conclude following a header by Sabri Rais.  The Wanderers doubled the score on the half hour.  Manwel Cordina passed from the right flank, passed to Ige Adesina and the latter flicked the ball to Chris Sciortino who netted with a strike from outside the area.  One minute later Sannat’s Sabri Rais had a shot from outside the area that missed the target and on 35 minutes Victoria’s Manwel Cordina had an angled shot following a personal action that ended high.  Victoria increased their lead five minutes from half time.  Manwel Cordina and Ige Adesina produced a fine move on the left flank and the latter released Ajibade Adesina who netted easily with a low shot as goalie Galea went out in an attempt to block the danger.  On 42 minutes Sannat’s Rais once again had an effort from outside the area that missed the target.

Sannat came out very aggressive after the break and managed to reduce the arrears after only two minutes of play.  John Camilleri unmarked Fernando de Andrade in the area and the Brazilian striker netted with a first timer.  In the 49th minute Sannat were again dangerous through a header by Sabri Rais from a cross by Pauyl Spiteri that was neutralised by goalie Parnis.  Victoria regained the three-goal lead on 55 minutes.  Ige Adesina released Manwel Cordina who passed by the goalkeeper and placed into an empty goal.  Sannat were demoralised and on 69 minutes the Wanderers could have increased the score when Chris Sciortino received a ball inside the area but his angled shot ended inches wide.  However, the citizens scored their fifth goal four minutes later.  Manwel Cordina entered the area with a personal action and netted with a low angled shot to register a personal hat-trick.  Sannat reduced the score on 75 minutes through a first timer by John Camilleri following a header by Sabri Rais.  Three minutes later Victoria’s Manwel Cordina escaped into Sannat’s area with a solo action but his shot was well saved by goalie Paul Galea.  However, Manwel Cordina scored his fourth personal goal and made it 6-2 on 79 minutes.  A shot by Joseph Vella was partially saved by goalie Galea and Cordina took the rebound and netted with a shot from the edge of the area.  Seconds from the final whistle Sannat could have scored another goal but a lob by John Camilleri hit the crossbar.

Referee: Esther Azzopardi

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY

PHOTOS BY GOZO VISION STUDIO

CLICK TO ORDER

Website Designed By GOZO VISION STUDIO - FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY - MALTA  TEL: (+356) 27565262    © GOZO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 2009 - 2010