NEPTUNES VIDEOSLOTS........ 10
SAN ĠILJAN JP PROJECTS...... 12
(2-4), (4-3), (2-1), (2-4)
It was an intense match in front a great crowd as expected. The first play-off final went San Ġiljan’s way and the Saints are just one win away from securing the second consecutive title and the fifth honour from five this year.
The difference between both teams was just that San Ġiljan were always one step ahead of their opponents after they gained an early lead. Neptunes tried to recover but could only equalise several times.
As soon as they equalised, San Ġiljan always had a goal in their hand to keep their advantage. Aaron Younger and goalkeeper Jake Tanti were amongst the superstars for Zeljko Kovacic’s team.
San Ġiljan got off to a flying start in the first session. Aaron Younger shone amongst his teammates scoring a hat-trick in this session only. First, he scored from man-up and then gave his team a 4-1 with two consecutive goals. Filip Filipovic had equalised from penalty and later Nikolai Zammit gave the Saints the lead again. Stevie Camilleri pulled a goal back from man-up.
Neptunes had the best start in the second session. Aleksandar Ivovic reduced the gap to a goal after beating Jake Tanti with a fierce shot. Matthew Zammit responded for San Ġiljan with a powerful shot, but Neptunes had other plans. From well-planned man-up action, Stevie Camilleri equalised with a brace.
Now the game, stepped up another gear with more intense play. San Ġiljan regained their double advantage from Andreas Galea and Younger also from man-up situations. Ivovic kept Neptunes in the game with another difficult shot for Tanti to save.
Neptunes improved their performance and deservedly won the third session. Both teams were more careful not to commit silly mistakes and all goals in this session were scored from man-ups. Sam Gialanze equalised; Matthew Zammit kept San Ġiljan ahead until Stevie Camilleri scored his third of the game to make it 8-8.
Younger and Darren Zammit gave San Ġiljan again a double lead in the beginning of the last session. Neptunes for another time had to work their way into the match but again they clawed two goals back from Filipovic and Jake Muscat.
Captain Matthew Zammit showed his qualities by delivering a precious advantage with a brilliant personal action from the centre. Time was running out for Neptunes but still had the chance to equalise. Alec Fenech’s effort from an ideal position wasn’t strong enough and Jake Tanti. Counterattack, Stevie Camilleri was excluded for the third time and Maro Jokovic sealed the win. An appointment is set for next Monday where the title could be secured.
Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, J. Muscat (2), S. Gialanze (1), G. Pace, M. Castillo, J. Bajada, S. Camilleri (3), J. Camilleri, A. Ivovic (2), F. Filipovic (2), A. Fenech, E. Mallia, M. Rossi, D. Bugeja, A. Fava
San Ġiljan: J. Tanti, N. Bugelli, A. Galea (1), B. Plumpton, M. Jokovic (1), M. Zammit (3), J. Bonavia, A. Younger (5), J. Abela, N. Zammit (1), D. Zammit (1), R. Caruana, G. Borg, G. Bonavia, N. Bonavia
Referees: Fabio Brasiliano, Massimo Calabro