SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

MUNXAR FALCONS AND GHARB RANGERS SHARE SPOILS LEAVE THE TWO SIDES AT THE BOTTOM

This was a direct clash between two teams who were occupying the bottom place on the table with the same points before this match, and were therefore aiming to win points to avoid ending the campaign at the last place.  Both matches of the previous two rounds also ended in draws.  Although both Munxar Falcons and Gharb were determined to win this match the striker were always well controlled by the respective defensive departments.

Play was rather balanced during the first period and both Gharb and Munxar produced some good scoring opportunities.  In the 12^th minute Munxar’s Robert Said had a low shot well saved by goalie Matthew Vella. Gharb replied immediately with a shot by Michael Chika shaved the base of the post and ended wide.  Munxar’s goalie Adrian Parnis was called to make a difficult save in the 17^th minute following a close rnaged attempt by Arthur Farrugia following a cross by Chika.  On the half hour Munxar’s Mario Azzopardi escaped from the right flank but from his pass Robert Said’s angled shot just missed the target.  In the 37^th minute Gharb were again dangerous with a low shot by Stephen Apap following a personal action that was well blocked by goalie Parnis.  Two minutes later Munxar’s goalie cleared badly at the edge of the area, Stephen Apap took the lose ball but his attempt was cleared off the line b y Shaun Attard.  From the resultant corner a header by Michael Chika ended just high.

The Rangers continued with their pressure after the break and in the 48^th minute they were unlucky when Munxar’s defence cleared badly a corner action, the ball arrived to Anthony Camilleri, but his shot hit the post.  Munxar replied three minutes later with an effort by Chris Debrincat from a corner action that ended over the crossbar.  In the 56^th minute Gharb’s Michael Chika headed wide following a corner kick by Stephen Apap but Munxar replied one minute later and goalie Matthew Vella was well placed to block on substitute Joseph Mizzi.  The Falcons lost a golden scoring opportunity in the 68^th minute when Joseph Agius came face to face with Gharb’s extreme defender from a rebound at the edge of the area, but his shot was well saved the by young goalkeeper.  In the 86^th minute a half volley by Munxar’s Patrick Falzon ended just wide and in an immediate reply Gharb’s Michael Chika concluded badly from a favourable position.

Referee: George Portelli

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY