Vittoriosa S - Qormi 0 -1

A Johann Zammit header just before the break was enough for Qormi to beat Vittoriosa in a keenly contested match to go in second place, behind leaders Mqabba.

Johann Zammit's first goal of the season proved to be priceless as Qormi edged their rivals in an ill-tempered match, with the Stars deserving something more for their efforts.

In fact after dominating the first part of the match, Qormi were dominated in the second half by a generous Vittoriosa side. However the Stars lacked punch in attack with Anywanna completely subdued by Qormi's well organised defence.

Although goalmouth actions were rather scarce, the first half was played at a very fast pace with both teams doing their utmost to return to winning form. In fact both teams were smarting from defeats in their last outing, with Qormi beaten by bottom placed San Gwann, while Vittoriosa were beaten by Hamrun.

Vittoriosa had new signing Guazzo on the reserves' bench whilst Qormi paraded central defender Antonio Saliba, acquired from San Gwann, but were without star midfielder Talcevski serving a match suspension.

Qormi were more dangerous than their opponents with Carmel Formosa having the best chance midway through when he headed slightly wide from an ideal position. Vittoriosa's best move came on 30 minutes with Anywanna, passing to Adami who should have done better from the heart of the penalty area.

On 38 minutes Qormi's Johann Zammit tested Cassar with a powerful drive from the edge of the area, and two minutes later Anywanna's dipper went inches high. Vittoriosa goalkeeper Cassar was again instrumental saving a dangerous Joseph Farrugia freekick. But from the resultant corner on 42 minutes Qormi took the lead when Johan Zammit headed in the kick taken by Azzopardi.

Just before the interval Vittoriosa had a glorious chance to score the equaliser when Amaira passed to Adami who, all alone in front of goal, failed to beat Matthew Farrugia.

In the second half Vittoriosa pressed relentlessly forward pushing Qormi in their own half.

However Qormi had a good chance of doubling the score with a good Azzopardi, Zammit move with the latter's shot going wide. Vittoriosa appealed for a penalty minutes later for a Paris handling infringement.

Vittoriosa surged desperately forward in the dying minutes of the match but Qormi's defence ably marshalled by an elegant Saliba, withstood the pressure as the yellows returned to winning ways to go in second place.