Naxxar L: K. Agius, K. Fenech, J. Brincat (G. Magri), M. Spiteri Gonzi, R. Schembri, J. Zammit, T. Fenech, P. Anizoba, I. Zammit, G. Camilleri (K. Grech), F. Debono (A. Catania).
Msida SJ: M. Bartolo, P. Scriha, S. Grima, J. Mifsud, T. Farrugia, P. Pullicino (L. Micallef), C. Sciberras, P. Fenech, D. Cachia, O. Zongo (A. Farrugia), R. Baldacchino (G. Ancilleri).
Referee: M. Borg, Asst. Referees: M. Debono, P. Apap, 4th official: C. Lautier
Scorers: P. Fenech, R. Schembri og,
Yellow cards: K. Fenech, G. Camilleri,
Msida SJ easily qualified for the second round of the U*Bet FA Trophy beating First Division side Naxxar. As was expected Msida found little difficulty in disposing of their opponents, what was rather surprising was Msida’s below par performance.
To be honest we pretend brilliant fare from Msida, as we are now accustomed to, after some five star performances in the Premier. However something better was expected from a depleted Msida side.
Msida were without their star strikers Daniel Nwoke and Babatunde, with the latter among the substitutes. Coach Patrick Curmi also introduced goalkeeper Bartolo in goal. Without Babatunde and Nwoke Msida look a completely different outfit.
Naxxar were not expected to upset their more renowned opponents, and in fact they only remained in the contest until they suffered the first goal, a beautiful one from their ex-player Paul Fenech. Rodrick Baldacchino, Paul Fenech and Farrugia were Msida’s best.
Msida took some time to settle down with Naxxar showing the better ideas in the first part of the match. Msida found it hard to penetrate with Zongo as their main striker.
On six minutes Dino Cachia passed to Tyron Farrugia whose shot was saved by Agius. Naxxar had to good chances midway through the first half with Fabian Debono shooting weakly from an ideal position and Gilbert Camilleri lobbing over the bar after some good work by Anizoba, that played another good game in Naxxar’s midfield.
On 31 minutes Msida opened the score when Rodrick Baldacchino crossed to Paul Fenech, and the ex-Naxxar player half volleyed beautifully in the top corner of the net.
Msida started to play better now, without much pressure as Naxxar retreated in their own penalty area. However Msida were not dangerous again, apart from a Zongo freekick that went slightly wide.
Msida took only three minutes in the second half to settle the issue in their favour by scoring the second goal. Rodrick Baldacchino had another powerful run on the left and his cross towards Zongo was anticipated by Ramon Schembri who committed an incredible own goal in an effort to clear.
Msida strolled forward but completely released their grip on the match, and Naxxar found space in attack testing Bartolo through a Kevin Fenech effort.
The match dragged on till Marco Borg’s final whistle with Naxxar doing their best to score at least a consolation goal, but Msida goalkeeper Bartolo was never really in danger.