St George’s and Marsa finally settled for an exciting 2-2 draw to move closer to promotion. St George’s now need only a draw in their last match whilst for Marsa a win against St Patrick is a must.
As expected the match attracted a bumper rowd at the Hamrun ground, and had a tense finale when tempers flared on and off the field.
Three players were sent off with Marsa finishing with nine players. Ironically St George’s took the second lead when playing with ten players, with Marsa equalising when both sides had ten players on the field. The result can be considerd a fair one, even though the Saints were two minutes away from the Premier and the winning of the championship.
The first half was very tactical with both sides contcentartaing mainly in midfield. Marsa had a better start with Gilbert Martin missing an easy chance in front of goal following a cross from Daniel Gatt. The Saints hit back with an Ewurun drive from the edge of the area going over the bar.
Slowly but surely St George’s started to come to grips with their opponents and on 38 minutes they took the lead. Marsa goalkeeper Ivan Casha failed to grasp a dangerous Miguel Mifsud cross and Johann Spiteri was on hand to shoot low into the net.
The Saints were now in command.However just before the break Marsa obtained the equaliser. Gilbert Martin was put through by Meilaq, and the Marsa striker was brought down by the Saints’ goalkeeper Gatt. Referee Sant awarded the penalty and goalkeeper Gatt was sent off. Marsa goalkeeper Ivan Casha scored his fourth penalty of the season beating substitute goalkeeper Alan Bonnici.
In the second half although playing with ten players, St George’s showed the better ideas and forged ahead after only two minutes when Ewurun passed to Keith Darmanin who scored from an acute angle. Marsa’s reaction was rather chaotic with their only attempt from Meilaq going well over the bar.
On 68 minutes Marsaalso had Meilaq sent off for dissent. Marsa increased the pressure in the final minutes but were never dangerous. But on 88 minutes Marsa’s best player Gilbert Martin saved his side when he shot beautifully from the edge of the area to score a dramatic equaliser.
Following this goal Marsa’s Joseph Casha was sent off, but there was no time left for further actions, with both teams happy with the point earned.
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St Andrew’s 0
Naxxar L 4
Naxxar Lions easily beat relegated St Andrew’s to gain three prcious points and put Lija under pressure. For Naxxar this was the last match of the season and will now have to wait for the outcome of the Lija-St George’s clash next Sunday.
The match was dominated by the motivated Lions who could have scored further goals especially in the second half. St Andrew’s on their part bid farewell to this division after a very short spell.
Naxxar, without Bellia still dominated for long stretches. However St Andrew’s gave them a good run for their money especially in the first half.
Naxxar forged ahead on 35 minutes when Gilbert Camilleri shot low into the net with the ball hitting the upright before finishing at the back of the net.
Naxxar doubled at the start of the second half with a Glenn Magri close range strike and on 64 minutes Naxxar scored the third goal when Gilbert Camilleri scored his brace after a good pass from Dozie.
After missing further chances Naxxar scored their fourth six minutes from time when St Andrew’s defender Junior Sank scored a classic own goal in an attempt to clear a dangerous Simon Muscat cross.