SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ORATORY END CAMPAIGN ON A FINE NOTE

Oratory Youths registered a convincing victory in a match from the last day of the campaign which was also a direct clash against the bottom place on the table with Gharb Rangers.  It was a deserved victory for the Youths who took advantage of the fact that their opponents played nearly half of the match with two players less on the field, since they did not have substitutes, and also had a player sent off in the last part of the match. This match ended a very disappointing season for the Rangers.  They ironically started the campaign with great ambitions to challenge for promotion but lost track and never managed to recover.  On the other hand, with this victory the Youths made up for a difficult start and managed to reach their main objective to avoid the bottom place on the final standings.

Play was quite balanced in the early stages and the two teams lost good scoring opportunities.  However, Oratory opened the score in the 10^th minute through Ishaku Umoru’s low shot.  Oratory increased pressure and went close to increase the score in the following minutes through attempts by Andrew Zammit and Umoru.  The Youths were punished for the missed chances and Gharb levelled the score in the 19^th minute through Stephen Apap who concluded a pass by Kamal Edgeli.  Oratory were shocked and Gharb created other scoring opportunities through Stephen Apap, Edgeli and Arthur Farrugia.  Near the end of the first half Gharb ended with nine players when Joseph Tabone and Kamal Edgeli were injured in separate actions and were not substituted since their were no reserves on Gharb’s bench.  Oratory took immediate advantage and were dangerous with efforts by Francesco Cini and Ishaku Umoru.

After the break Oratory were more adventurous and crated good scoring opportunities through Umoru, Joel Portelli.  Oratory’s efforts were rewarded in the 53^rd minute with a goal by Stephen Theuma following a pass by Ishkau Umoru.  The score became 3-1 for the Youths three minutes later with a goal scored by Ishaku Umoru following a pass by Stephen Oralndo.  Gharb re-opened the issue in the 59^th minute with a fine header by Stephen Apap following a cross by Owne Formosa.  Six minutes later Oratory re-established a two-goal lead through Andrew Zammit who concluded in goal a pass by Ishaku Umoru.  Gharb continued to complicate their match as they ended with eight players in the 75^th minute when Arthur Farrugia was sent off for a second caution.  Oratory sealed the issue five minutes later with a goal by Marvin Grech who took the rebound from the crossbar following an attempt by Ishaku Umoru.

Referee: Paul Apap

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY