SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

ORATORY GET AWAY FROM LAST POSITION

Oratory Youths registered their second consecutive positive result and obtained their fourth point from two matches in a draw. Of two goals against St Lawrence Spurs.  With the point obtained the Youths moved away from the bottom place on the table.  Oratory become favourites to win the tussle against the bottom place with Munxar Falcons and Gharb Rangers.  With this result St Lawrence practically compromised all their hopes to keep their challenge for promotion.  The Saints once again dropped important points in this third and final round and lost ground with major contenders Xewkija Tigers and SK Victoria Wanderers.  The match practically was decided in the dying moments as the two goals arrived in the space of one minute near the end of regular time.

          The Spurs came out more aggressive but failed to create serious danger to Oratory’s goal.  On the other hand the Youths settled better as time passed by and in the 19^th minute an effort by Ishaku Umoru following a fast break was cleared off the fatal line by Jonathan Micallef.  The Spurs had their best scoring opportunity of the first half in the 25^th minute from a free kick by Louis Galea that ended just wide.

          Oratory could have opened the score after only two minutes of play in the second period but Andrew Zammit hesitated after receiving from Umoru and goalie Samuel Micallef saved the danger.  Minutes later Oratory’s Joel Portelli had a good effort saved with difficulty by goalie Micallef.  The Saints continued to find it extremely difficult to create danger although they increased some pressure at the midfield as time passed by.  St Lawrece’s goalie Micallef continued to be busier and in the 84^th minute he was called to make another difficult save to turn in corner a strike by Umoru.  Oratory opened the score in the 88^th minute.  Oralnso Atzori won a tussle in the midfield and from his cross Andrew Zammit dribbled a defender and placed past goalie Micallef with a low shot.  The Saints had an immediate reaction and levelled the score less than one minute later.  Oratory’s Francesco Cini committed hands on the line following a header by Louis Galea from a corner action.  The referee awarded a penalty and showed the red card to Oratory’s midfielder so that substitute Renzo Formosa converted the shot from the spot kick.   Referee: George Portelli

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY