SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ORATORY YOUTHS OBTAIN FIRST WIN IN CAMPAIGN

     Oratory Youths obtained their first victory in the campaign in their derby match against SK Victoria Wanderers. This was a surprise victory considering that the contest saw the two teams at the opposite ends of the table. With the three points obtained the Youths re-opened their chances to avoid the bottom place on the table. On the other hand the Wanderers failed to defend their three point lead over contenders Xewkija Tigers and St Lawrence Spurs so that the three teams are sharing the top of the table after the tenth day of the campaign. Oratory’s victory matured with two goals scored during the first period and managed to defend until the end.

     The Wanderers produced the first dangerous action in the first minute of play when Chris Sciortino entered the area but concluded wide from a good position. The Youths opened the score in the 18^th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Joseph Refalo on Alex Sacco. Ishaku Umoru converted from the spot kick. The Wanderers produced an immediate reaction going close to scoring through an overhead kick by Ige Adesina that ended wide. In the 34^th minute Jean Noel Attard had a good attempt that was well saved by goalie Kelly Grima. The same goalkeeper was called to make a difficult save minutes later following a shot by Chris Sciortino. In the 40^th minute a volley by Ige Adesina from a pass by Joseph vella hit the woodwork and cleared in corner. From the resultant corner Ige Adesina’s attempt ended just wide. Oratory doubled the score in the second minute of stoppage time before the break. George Louis Zammit unmarked Andrew Zammit and the latter placed in goal with a low shot.

     After the resumption the Wanderers came out in search to re-open the issue. However, Oratory could have increased the score in the 58^th minute but a shot by Umoru ended wide. Minutes later an effort by Victoria’s Mark Buttigieg was well save by goalie Kelly Grima. The Wanderers were again close to scoring the 75^th minute but a header by Mark Buttigieg from a corner by Joseph Vella was cleared off the line by Franceso Cini. One minute later an angled shot by Frank Buttigieg ended just wide. Victoria re-opened their chances to save the result in the 78^th minute from a penalty, awarded for a foul by Charles Xuereb on Joseph Vella, converted by Ajibade Adesina. Three minutes later a header by Ige Adesina from a cross by Frank Buttigieg ended inches wide. In the first minute of stoppage time Oratory’s goalie Kelly Grima saved the result for his side when he blocked a shot from outside the area by Joseph Vella. 

Referee: Anton Zammit

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY