Marsaxlokk-Sliema W 0-2

Sliema continued to march on towards their third consecutive league win when they beat Marsaxlokk for the fourth time this season to win another three important points.

The Wanderers are now the strong favourites to win the league following yet another victory which consolidates their position and puts pressure on Valletta today as they seek to keep the gap the same today.

Without raising any sparkles, Sliema still did enough to merit the three points against Marsaxlokk proving to be the stronger side both in defence as well as midfield and attack. They were aided by that early goal which paved the way for the three points but their victory was rarely if ever in doubt.

They then scored a second in added time to put their minds at rest though Marsaxlokk did not seem as if they could score an eqaliser.

Marsaxlokk had a number of their regular players missing including Cleaven Frendo and Malcolm Licari out in view of suspension and Andre Schembri, Sean Tellus and Carlo Mamo. Such absences clearly had an effect on Marsaxlokk who in Ivanov Trendafilov had the only player who could cause any problems for the Wanderers.

In attack, they were rarely if ever effective with the Sliema defence led by Jeffrey Chetcuti, Darren Debono and Brian Said coming out on top.

Noel Turner was in command always providing inviting passes to his team-mates while up front Ivan Woods tried hard to put his name on the scoresheet even though he seemed to be isolated up front.

Sliema went very close to scoring in the 7th minute when Pernis entered the area perilously and tried to lob over Debono but the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper saved without difficulty.

It was the prelude to Sliema’s goal which they scored in the 10th minute. Alex Muscat with a swerving shot from an angle beat Debono to give Sliema an early lead.

Sliema coach Edward Aquilina was forced to make an early substitution following a Doncic injury. He replaced him with Orosco Anonam in the 25th minute.

Marsaxlokk were now trying to force a reaction with Trendafilov proving to be a livewire as he tried to create openings for his team-mates. However, the southseasiders could not pierce open the strong Sliema rearguard.

At the other end, the Wanderers in a fast counter attack could have added a second. Debono had to go out on the oncoming Woods to block what would have been a sure goal. From the rebound, Woods again tried his luck but his shot went just wide.

At the other end, Zammit could not believe his luck when off a Trendafilov corner, the ball skimmed right through the Sliema defence crossing goal but he failed to connect.

Matters continued to complicate themselves for Sliema when they were again forced to make a substitution this time in the 35th minute, Adrian Mifsud replacing the injured Joseph Farrugia.

But Debono was called into action again when off a Mattocks cross, Pernis headed well but the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper saved with difficulty in two attempts.

Marsaxlokk went very close to equalising in the 52nd minute. Thornton hit a long range shot which nearly surprised Akanji who had to turn to corner with difficulty. From the resultant corner Debono had to clear off the line a Paiber header with Akanji beaten.

It was one of the few changes of a poor second half with Sliema controlling the proceedings and operating on fast counter attacks and with Marsaxlokk’s attacking build-up proving to be too weak to give Sliema any problems.

And Sliema made sure of the three points in added time. Ivan Woods worked well in attack controlling the ball. The Sliema striker passed to Pernis who had an easy job in hitting home past a helpless Debono.

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Paiber, C. Magro, K. Mamo, M. Caruana (C. Carabott), I. Zammit, S. Bajada (A. Cassar), M. Ivanov Trendafilov, K. Pace, E. Thornton, T. Templeman.

Sliema W: M. Akanji, A. Muscat, B. Said, D. Debono, N. Turner, C. Mattocks, D. Doncic (O. Anonam), J. Farrugia, J. Chetcuti, I. Woods, L. Pernis

Referee: P. Caruana Asst refs: J. Rapa, C. Micallef 4th official: C. Pisani

Scorers: A. Muscat, L. Pernis

Yellow cards: M. Caruana, A. Mifsud, B. Said, C. Paiber, C. Magro, C. Carabott.

Player of the match: Noel Turner (Sliema W)

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