Bank Of Valletta first division: Senglea and Vittoriosa share four goals in keen derby

Malta Independent Monday, 25 September 2006, 00:00 Last update: about 14 years ago

The much awaited Cottonera derby between Vittoriosa Stars and Senglea Athletics finished in a fair and exciting 2-2 draw. It was just reward as both teams did their best to have the better in front of a good crowd.

Both teams had their moments with Senglea dominating the first part but with the Stars coming back strongly, even going in front. But in the second half Senglea came back strongly to obtain a deserved equaliser.

Chima Dozie for Senglea and Silvan Privitelli for Vittoriosa proved to be the best players for their sides, both scoring a brace. Chima Dozie thus brought his tally to six this season following the poker he notched last Sunday against Qormi. Other players like veteran Ivan Zammit for Vittoriosa played a blinder for his side both in defence and in midfield.

Senglea looked the better side in the opening minutes even though Vittoriosa had the only shots at goal in the opening phases with an Anywanna shot going wide and a central free-kick by Ivan Zammit easily blocked by Attard. On 25 minutes Senglea took the lead when Chima Dozie received a good ball on the penalty spot and managed to score with a good shot on the turn that gave Cassar no chance.

However Senglea’s joy was shortlived as three minutes later Vittoriosa obtained the equaliser. A duel between Trevor Thomas and Simon Aquilina favoured Silvan Privitelli who slotted the ball home from close range. In stoppage time of the first half Vittoriosa went ahead with another Privitelli goal who shot beautifully from just inside the area, following an Anywanna-Trevor Thomas move.

As expected, Senglea rallied back in the second half going near with a Simon Aquilina shot and a Matthew Borg header. On 66 minutes Senglea obtained a deserved equaliser when Chima Dozie rose high to head home a good Matthew Borg cross. Both teams went very close in the final stages with Matthew Borg missing an incredible chance in front of goal for Senglea, and with Senglea goalkeeper Attard saving the day and the derby for his side with a glorious save off a Ciantar close range shot.