MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

HOTSPURS REGISTER DOUBLE AND RETAIN SOLE LEADERSHIP

  Favourites for the title Victoria Hotspurs won the derby match against SK Victoria Wanderers to retain their three point lead over challengers Ghajnsielem at the end of the eleventh day of the championship.  This was the second win for the Hotspurs on the Wanderers in the championship and the third win for this season, as the Hotspurs eliminated the Wanderers in the semi-final of the Independence Cup.  The Hotspurs paved the way to the win with two early goals scored during the first quarter of an hour of play.

  The Spurs therefore were in a position to control play so that the destination of the three points was practically never in contention.  The Wanderers compromised the match with two early defensive mistakes.  They suffered the change of speed produced by the Hotspurs during the first period and on the other hand the strikers were not very effective during the reaction produced in the second period.  In this match the Hotspurs fielded Jason Portelli in the starting line-up who was making a return after a spell with Sannat Lions.

  The Hotspurs took command of the midfield from the early stages and opened the score in the 10th minute.  Eric Nkwankwo’s cross from the left was prolonged by Martin towards Ryan Grech and the latter netted with a low angled shot.  The Wanderers were shocked and one minute later a shot on the run by Martin Hanus missed the target.  On 14 minutes Hanus concluded over the crossbar a free kick by Julius Emanche and one minute later the Hotspurs doubled the score.  Eric Nkwankwo entered the area from the right flank, won a tussle with two defenders and fired in goal from close distance.

  The Hotspurs were now in control of the match.  They reduced some pressure and denied the Wanderers from producing a reaction.  In the final stages of the first half the Hotspurs threatened their opponents on more than one occasion.  On 35 minutes a direct free kick by Martin Hanus ended wide and two minutes later an effort by Eric Nkwankwo following a pass by Hanus missed the target.

  Adrian Parnis denied the Hotspurs from increasing the score on 40 minutes when he saved in corner with the aid of the crossbar and cross shot by Ryan Grech.  The Wanderers had their best opportunity to re-open the issue one minute from half time through a long ranged shot by Joseph vella that ended just high.

  After the break the Wanderers tried to produce some pressure in an attempt to reduce the deficit.  On 51 minutes they were dangerous through a half volley by Ajibade Adesina from a pass by Ige Adesina that ended high.  One minute later the Hotspurs replied with a long ranged strike by Martin hanus that ended just over the crossbar.  The Wanderers went very close to scoring on the hour of play.

  Mark Buttigieg headed in the area a long ranged free kick by Simon Gatt but Ajibade Adesina’s close ranged attempt was blocked by goalie Mark Grima.  The same goalkeeper had a good intervention on 73 minute to block a low cross by Ajibade Adesina addressed to substitute Lauran Dimech.  The Wanderers managed to reduce the score six minutes from when Ajibade Adesina’s cross from the right met Ige Adesina in the area, the ball arrived to substitute Lauran Dimech who placed in goal with a low shot.

  However, the Hotspurs re-established the two goal difference one minute later.  The referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Akande Williams on Eric Nkwankwo and Martin Hanus converted from the spot kick to make sure of the three points and sole leadership.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi

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