SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ROVERS PREVAIL OVER GHARB WITH THE ODD GOAL FROM NINE

(B Chibueze 22’, 47’; P Camilleri 52’; J Hili 63’; P Cardona 87’)

(A Mutalib 60’, 74’, 90+2’; R Zammit 88’)

     Zebbug Rovers obtained three important points from their clash against Gharb Rangers and regained hopes to join the top teams on the table. This was a direct clash between two sides who are aiming to be among the contenders for the promotion. With this defeat Gharb suffered a set back in their aspirations and remain at a mid table position. The match was entertaining and produced nine goals. Gharb’s Abdul Mutalib registered a personal hat-trick.

     Play during the first period was balanced where the two sides were motivated to obtain the victory. Gharb were dangerous in the 8^th minute through an effort by Abdul Mutalib that ended just over the crossbar and Zebbug opened the score in their first serious attempt in the 22^nd minute. Substitute George Sacco released Basil Chibueze in the area and the latter guided the ball into an empty goal. Until half time the two sides created some good scoring opportunities. The Rovers went close through efforts by Joe Hili, Patrick Camilleri and Philip Cardona, while Gharb went close to level the score through Anthony Camilleri, who had a free kick that was saved by goalie Manwel Cordina, an effort by Hamed Sulaiman that ended wide and an attempt by Abdul Mutaib that was deflected on the crossbar.

     Zebbug doubled the score in the second minute of the second period. Sacco won a tussle at Gharb’s rearguard, his attempt hit the crossbar and from the rebound Basil Chibueze placed easily into an open goal. Gharb were shocked and in the 52^nd minute the Rovers increased the lead through Patrick Camilleri who concluded a fine pass by Chibueze. The Rangers reduced the arrears in the 60^th minute through Abdul Mutalib’s low shot but three minutes later Zebbug regained a three-goal lead with a goal by Joe Hili.

    The score became 4-2 in the 74^th minute with another goal by Abdul Mutalib who reached the ball before goalie Cordina following a through pass by Stephen Apap. In the 83^rd minute Zebbug’s goalie Cordina denied Sulaiman from re-opening the issue and in the 87^th minute Philip Cardona made it 5-2 for the Rovers by concluding a solo effort. In the dying moments the Rangers kept insisting and Ryan Zammit reduced the score with a goal scored in the 88^th minute and Abdul Mutalib registered his personal hat-trick and the fourth goal for his side with a goal scored in the second minute of stoppage time.

Referee:         Joe Agius

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY