Hamrun S.-Marsaxlokk 1-2

Hamrun S: J. Cordina, N. Hdubisi, A. Attard (S. Sultana), J. Debattista, J. Magri Overand, K. Borg, R. Mangion (S. Sadowski), M. Iyiabo, N. Galea, R. Fenech (D. Cucciardi), I. Umoru

Marsaxlokk: R. Gauci, C. Mamo, S. Wellman, C. Bart-Williams, N. Dos Santos Gomes, G. Sciberras, S. Bajada (K. Sammut), J. Pace, A. Schembri (T. Templeman), C. Frendo, W. Soares Gomes (M. Licari)

Referee: C. Pisani. Asst refs: N. Debattista, S. Tanti. 4th official: M. Borg.

Scorers: C. Frendo, M. Licari, S. Sultana

Yellow cards: R. Fenech, R. Mangion, A. Schembri, M. Iyiabo, N. Dos Santos Gomes, S. Wellman, G. Sciberras

Player of the match - C. Frendo (Marsaxlokk)

TMI best three - 1. C. Frendo, 2. J. Pace, 3. J. Magri Overend

Despite their win, albeit a narrow one against newly promoted Hamrun Spartans, the new-look Marsaxlokk side, with various new signings, warranted a better performance in their first league outing.

The Southseasiders dominated most of the game, but failed to turn their dominance into goals. They lead by the interval with a Frendo ten-minute strike but had to wait till the 70th minute to score their second and practically put their minds at rest.

This in view of the limitations of their opponents, who always played second fiddle with a bunch of youngsters, ably managed on the field by the likes of the more experienced Magri Overand, Mangion and later Stefan Sultana. The Spartans’ three Nigerians looked as ordinary as the rest of their team mates although they need more time to settle in Hamrun’s new environement.

Of all six out of seven newcomers who started the match for Marsaxlokk, Brazilian striker Wendell Soares Gomes looked the best bet, although both Sciberras in midfield and Wellman in central defence look poised to make an impact on Marinov’s team in future.

The much awaited Chris Bart-Williams, assigned the captain’s arm band, was never stretched too far by Hamrun’s anaemic attack, and, playing in the heart of the defence, looked suspiciously short of physical fitness.

Marsaxlokk took only nine minutes to penetrate the opposing defence after Soares Gomes went past an opponent on the left and played the ball from the byeline back to the unmarked Cleaven Frendo who beat keeper Cordina at the top corner.

It ws the right tonic for Marsaxlokk who were expected to turn their offensive play into more goals.

But as the match unfolded, goalmouth action became much of a rare commodity.

The Spartans, although lacking imagination of genuine quality, remained composed, handing the initiative to their opponents but relying on their organizational and defensive capabilities.

Until half time, Marsaxlokk had only gone close again with a Bajada incursion, thwarted by the onrushing Cordina and with a Schembri effort which sailed over the bar.

Marsaxlokk started the second period in more lively fashion and by the hour they created three good oppporunities which could have enabled them to double their lead.

Soares Gomes arrived fractionally late on Pace’s low cross before Bajada clipped his direct free-kick against the upright to Cordina’s right.

Earlier, Hamrun’s substitute Cucciardi shot wastefully off target after his neat footwork had caused panic in the Marsaxlokk rearguard.

On 66 minutes the Southseasiders effected a double substitution, putting in Sammut and Licari. It paid dividends with their second goal on 70 minutes, as Malcolm Licari finished off Frendo’s pass from close range to inject more tranquility in the side.

Although Marsaxlokk kept in control of the proceedings, even substituting Schembri with Templeman, Hamrun reduced the arrears two minutes from time with a most deserving consolation goal.

Their substitutes were again the protagonists as Cucciardi’s long cross surprised keeper Gauci, hitting the upright and rebounding into play for veteran Stefan Sultana to head into an empty goal.

Marsaxlokk’s last chance went begging as Licari headed the ball wide after keeper Cordina had palmed out Sammut’s cross-shot into his path.