SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ST. LAURENCE SPURS OBTAIN HARD-EARNED VICTORY

     St Lawrence Spurs obtained a close victory over bottom placed Oratory Youths and with the three points obtained they are joining SK Victoria Wanderers at the top of the table, although the latter have a game in hand. The Spurs found it more difficult than expected to win all points at stake from this encounter. They must have been overconfident as they failed to take control of play. The Youths produced a positive performance. They were well organized at the defense and quite effective at the midfield. However, the Youths are weak in attack and find it extremely difficult to create danger.

      In the 12^th minute the Saints went close to scoring but a header by Adalberto Goncalves from a cross by Oliver Farrugia ended just wide. The Youths had a golden scoring opportunity in the 19^th minute when Ishaku Umoru entered the area in a fast break but had his shot blocked by goalie Samuel Micallef, and from the rebound Stephen Theuma’s low shot was saved by the same goalkeeper. The Spurs were again dangerous near the end of the first half through an shot by Goncalves that ended just wide and in the 45^th minute a free kick by the Brazilian striker hit the crossbar.

      After the break Oratory’s goalie Daniel Borg made a good svae following a shot by Paul Attard and the Youths replied in the 55^th minute through a cross-shot by Alex Sacco that was turned in corner by goalie Samuel Micallef. Minutes later Goncalves failed to connect to an inviting low cross by Oliver Farrugia.

      The Saints scored the decisive goal in the 69^th minute through a low shot by Paul Attard following a fine move by Jesmond Xerri. Oraory’s immediate reaction was sterile and the Spurs could have secured the victory another goal in the 81^st minute, but an effort by Paul Attard following a solo effort ended wide. Oratory were denied an equaliser in the 87^th minute when an overhead kick by Ishaku Umoru was turned in corner in style by goalie Samuel Micallef. The Saints were unlucky in the second minute of stoppage time when a low shot by Jonathan Micallef hit the post. Referee:  Joe Agius

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY