Senglea A. 2
Sliema W. 0
Senglea A.: A. Curmi, S. Olberkis, D. Debono, E. Sakyi, M. Micallef, G. Virano (D. Xuereb 78'), T. Marukawa, J. Teixeira (J. Tanti 73') , S. Cipriott (J. Micallef 80'), W. Zamble, M. Dias
Sliema W. : J. Galea, M. Sansone, A. Satariano, K. Shaw, J. Pearson (J. Gill Cruz 72'), C. Zappa, J. Cisotti ( K. Amehi 78') , R. Carvajal Diaz, E. Agius, S. Miloskovic (M. Scerri 69') , C. Pani
Referee: Alex Johnson
Asst refs: Alan Camilleri, Theodore Zammit
4th official: Alan Mario Sant
Yellow Cards: Pani, Debono, Miliskovic, Carvajal Dias, Agius
Red Card: Carvajal Dias (Sliema W.)
Scorers: Zamble 64' , Marukawa 77'
BOV Player of the Match: T. Marukawa (Senglea A.)
TMI Top 3: 1. G. Virano 2. T.Marukawa 3. W. Zamble
Attendance: 483
Senglea registered their third win of the season when in Friday's second match played at the Centenary Stadium they beat Sliema Wanderers by two goals to nil. Following a dull first half, the game twisted in the Cottonera's outfit favour following the sending off of Carvajal Dias.
After a good start Senglea passed through a rough patch losing two out of their last three matches. In their last match they grabbed just a point from a goaless draw against Santa Lucia.
Their opponents Sliema are facing one of the worst starts winning just one match against pointless Tarxien Rainbows , drawing two and losing the other three matches.
In fact for Sliema coach Alfonso Greco the international break couldn't have come at a better time since he had ample time to work on the team's shortcomings and try to solve the problems that the Blues faced in the first part of the campaign.
But this latest setback means more pressure on the Italian coach whose time is now running out with the Wanderers deep in the relegation zone.
Senegelase striker Seydou Sow was missing for the Blues serving a one-match ban following his red card against Sirens.
Senglea did the early running and on 5 minutes a headed effort by Virano was saved by Galea. Play was confined in the midfield area with neither side being able to make a break through.
In fact it was only near the end of the first half when first Senglea protested for an alleged hand ball by Satariano off a Virano shot with the match official waving play on. And subsequently came the Wanderers only chance of the half when Satariano almost put Sliema in front, his shot being deflcted and with Curmi completely stranded the ball finished just off the mark.
On the hour the match had a turn in Senglea's favour when Carvajal Diaz was given the marching orders for a second bookable offence after bringing down Marcelo Dias.
Senglea responded immediately and in the 64th minute they forged ahead. A Marukawa cross found Wilfried Zamble who headed home for their opener. On 73 minutes Virano lobbed over Sliema goalkeeper Galea but the Sliema guardian turned the ball into a corner.
Senglea were not be denied their second goal which came in the 77th minute. Substitute Jan Tanti found Marukawa with a square pass and the latter slotted the ball into the net.
Till the end Senglea controlled their advantage with the three point putting them a temporary third position. As for Sliema another lacklustre performance with a dull cloud well over their heads.
