SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

THE SPURS MAINTAIN THEIR CHALLENGE

    St Lawrence Spurs obtained a close victory over neighbours Gharb Rangers and with the three points obtained they maintained their challenge for promotion. The victory for the Spurs arrived with two goals scored during the first period. After the break they compromised their match when they were reduced to ten men on the fild but managed to resist to Gharb’s reaction.

     The Spurs took command of play and could have scored an early goal but a close ranged effort by Paul Attard was saved in corner by goalie Matthew Vella. The Saints opened the score in the 19^th minute with a tap-in by Oliver Farrugia after a pass by Pierre Said. Gharb’s reaction was sterile and St Lawrence kept insisting going close to scoring through an attempt by Jesmond Xerri that ended inches wide.

    In the 31^st minute a goal by Pierre Said was disallowed for an offside position. Five minutes later Gharb’s Michael Chika had a goal following a free kick by Roy Vella that was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. In the 41^st minute St Lawrence were awarded a penalty for a foul by Chika on Jesmond Xerri and Renzo Formosa doubled the score with his shot from the spot kick.

     The Saints tried to control their lead after the break but they suffered a set-back in the 54^th minute when Renzo Formosa was sent off for a second caution and left his side with a player less on the field. Gharb took immediate advantage and in the 57^th minute they reduced the score. Goalie Samuel Micallef cleared badly a cross form the flank and Jamie Farrugia lobbed into an open goal.

    The Rangers could have levelled the score in the 64^th minute but a goal by Arthur Farrugia from a cross by substitute Ryan Zammit was disallowed for an offside position. One minute later the Saints replied with a fine strike by Jonathan Micallef that was turned in corner with difficulty by goalie Matthew Vella.

     The Spurs regained some control of the match and in the 78^th minute the same Micallef had another attempt saved in corner by goalie Vella.

Referee: Reno Refalo

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY