SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ORATORY YOUTHS RECOVER A TWO GOAL DEFICIT AFTER THE BREAK

       Gharb Rangers and Oratory Youths started the second round of the campaign on a positive note and earned a point each from a draw of six goals. This was an interesting match between two sides who are determined to make up for the disappointing performances and results obtained during the first round. This was Gharb’s second consecutive draw after three consecutive defeats, which leaves them away from the top of the table. On the other hand Oratory are still after the first victory in the campaign and this was only the third draw from seven matches.

    In this match the Youths should have done better, especially when considering that they had an extra player on the field of play for more than an hour. The Rangers on the other hand may be more disappointed as they lost a two goal lead which was obtained with a player less on the pitch. At the end, the final score was just and rewards the efforts of the two sides.

     Gharb opened the score in the 12^th minute through a header by Abdul Mutalib from a corner action. The Youths failed to produce a decent reaction while the Rangers complicated their matters in the 22^nd minute when Aaron Camilleri was sent off for a second caution and left his side with a player less on the field of play. Gharb recovered better than their opponents and doubled the score in the 29^th minute through another header by Abdul Mutalib from another corner action. Oratory managed to reduce the arrears in the 35^th minute through a goal by Ishaku Umoru who placed in goal from close distance following a pass by George Louis Zammit.

      After the break Oratory seemed more aggressive but in the 58^th minute Gharb regained a two goal lead through a lob by Roy Vella following a persistent action on the flank by Hamed Sulaiman. However, Oratory were not demoralised and Ishaku Umoru reduced the deficit to one goal in the 64^th minute following a personal action. The Youths kept insisting and managed to level the score in the 72^nd minute with a tap-in by George Louis Zammit following a melee at Gharb’s goalmouth. Play now became more exciting as both teams tried to win full points form this encounter. Oratory went closest to scoring in the final minutes of the match and it was Gharb’s goalie Stephen Apap who saved the point for his side with two fine saves. In the first occasion the goalkeeper saved a low shot by Alex Sacco, while in the other occasion he turned in corner with difficulty an effort by Andrew Zammit. Referee: Reno Refalo

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY