Sliema W.-Marsaxlokk 2-1

Sliema Wanderers opened a three- point gap at the top of the Premier League after a hard earned victory over Marsaxlokk thanks to a second half rally and two goals scored in a five-minute spell.

Marsaxlokk, without Andre Schembri, were surely the better team in the first half with Ochei above the rest.

However Marsaxlokk gradually faded out as Sliema increased the pressure in the second half, and played the better football.

Sliema who were without defenders Brian Said, Jeffrey Chetcuti and Kris Laferla, in the end deserved the win even though Marsaxlokk can consider themselves unlucky to leave the field empty handed, considering their first half performance, hitting the post in the process.

The start was promising with Marsaxlokk hitting the base of the upright when Ochei’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected by a defender with the ball hitting the base of the upright with Camilleri beaten.

Sliema were well organised on the field, with very good distribution of the ball, however Marsaxlokk had another good move on 19 minutes with Frendo giving a good ball to Ochei who failed to connect in front of goal. The South Seasiders continued to be aggressive in midfield with Zammit, Trandafilov and Frendo in the limelight, and on 28 minutes they took the lead.

Trendafilov passed to Ochei who dribbled past Darren Debono and from the edge of the area beat Camilleri with a perfect grounder.

Joe Brincat tried his luck from a freekick but his shot was off target. Sliema increased the pressure with Giglio and Anonam getting support from Mattocks and Turner on the flanks.

However Marsaxlokk were always on the ball with Ochei in irresistible form, and Brincat was cautioned when he stopped the swift striker.

Minutes later Ochei’s shot slightly missed the base of the upright following a good move between Frendo and Trendafilov.

Just before the break Marinov had to change Magro who was substituted by Kevin Mamo.

At the start of the second half coach Aquilina added another striker, Pernis, substituting Mattocks, but the first real danger was again for Marsaxlokk with Ochei again beating Debono and testing Camilleri with a central shot.

Sliema were now pressing harder their opponents in their own half but the Wanderers lacked the necessary flair and their attacks were rather chaotic at times. However on 67 minutes Orosco Anonam chipped beautifully from the edge of the area to beat Debono for a splendid goal. Anonam was injured in the goal action and had to be substituted.

The goal was the tonic Sliema needed as their play was now more swift and flowing and Marsaxlokk were now in great difficulty. Doncic was brought down by Paiber inside the box but Lautier waved play on.

On 72 minutes, Alex Muscat one of the best for his side shot well from outside the area but Debono dived to tip into a corner. Four minutes later Sliema took the lead with a great move on the right between Muscat and Turner, with the captain crossing to Giglio who nodded down to Doncic who tapped the ball home from two metres.

Sliema were now playing on velvet even though Marsaxlokk wasted a good opportunity through Frendo who missed the ball following a Kevin Mamo cross. With eight minutes to go Sliema had a fast break with three Sliema players against on defender but Pernis incredibly missed the final pass, with Carlo Mamo blocking the danger.

Marsaxlokk tried in vain in the dying seconds with Ivan Zammit hitting the side netting following a good Frendo run on the left.

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Paiber, C. Magro (K. Mamo), S. Tellus (E. Thornton), T. Templeman, C. Mamo, S. Bajada, I. Zammit, C. Frendo, M. Trendafilov (J. Pace), M. Ochei

Sliema W: M. Camilleri, J. Brincat, A. Muscat, D. Debono, L. Lombardi, N. Turner, C. Mattocks (L. Pernis), D. Doncic, I. Woods, O. Anonam (M. Mifsud), S. Giglio.

Referee: C. Lautier, Asst. refs: A. Camilleri, S. Tanti, 4th official: P. Caruana

Scorers: M. Ochei, O. Anonam, D. Doncic.

Yellow cards: J. Brincat, N. Turner, D. Debono, S. Giglio, I. Woods

Player of the match: M. Ochei (Marsaxlokk)

TMI top three: 1. N. Turner 2. M. Ochei 3. A. Muscat