SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

Oratory Youths save match with a goal in dying moments

Oratory Youths and St Lawrence Spurs obtained a point each from a draw of four goals. It was a just result between two teams who were aiming to obtain a victory from this encounter. The two teams enjoyed some phases of superiority and even produced determined reaction whenever they needed to recover the score. The Saints were close to register a victory and earn the top position, but Oratory kept insisting and managed to save the result with a goal scored deep into stoppage time.

Play was quite balanced during the first period. The Spurs were in a better shape during the initial stages and opened the score in the 11^th minute through a close ranged shot by Adalberto Goncalves following a cross from the right by Jonathan Micallef. Oratory were not demoralised and produced a good reaction. They managed to score the equaliser in the 31^st minute. Ejiofer Nkwocha passed to Orlando Atzori just outside the area and the latter placed behind goalie Samuel Micallef with a low shot. St Lawrence tried to regain the lead but Joshua Cassar and Oliver Farrugia both failed to conclude from ideal situation. Oratory were dangerous in the 44^th minute through another attempt from outside the area by Atzori that just missed the target.

The Youths came out more adventurous after the break but as time passed by the Saints recovered and shared more play with their opponents. In the 52^nd minute goalie Samuel Micallef was called to save with difficulty a strike from outside the area by Oratory’s Alex Sacco. St Lawrence replied with an attempt by Oliver Farrugia in the 64^th minute following a freekick by Louis Galea that was well saved by goalie Daniel Borg. Oratory were again dangerous in the 70^th minute with an attempt by Ishaku Umoru that ended wide. Two minutes later the Saints regained the lead. Substitute Renzo Formosa’s cross from the left found Jesmond Xerri unmarked in the area and the latter placed easily behind goalie Borg with a low shot. Oratory could have levelled the score in the 79^th minute but Ishaku Umoru’s header from a corner action ended wide. In the 90^th minute St Lawrence Referee:  Joseph Camilleri

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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT PHILIP CASSAR (MOBILE: 99403613)