Football – Bank Of Valletta third division: Zebbug Rangers extend lead over Mdina Knights

Malta Independent Wednesday, 20 February 2008, 00:00 Last update: about 14 years ago

Section A

Mtarfa-Zebbug R 2-3

Nazzareno Abela headed Zebbug into the lead after just two minutes from a cross by Errol Cachia but Mtarfa managed to equalise in the 4th minute with Mario Stivala crossing for Josef Briffa to hit home from close-range.

Zebbug replied in the 8th minute as they were again in front through Jeremy Gatt. Minutes later a George Saliba shot was blocked on the goal line by an Mtarfa defender.

Zebbug continued to push forward with Jeremy Gatt being denied by the Mtarfa keeper and on another occasion Nazzareno Abela lobbed just over the bar following a personal effort.

Mtarfa replied through a point blank shot by Johan Briffa shot which was saved by Pace and a dangerous attempt by Josef Briffa. Zebbug increased their lead in the 59th minute through substitute Trevor Thomas but Mtarfa pulled a goal back on 71 minutes through a long-range shot by substitute Richard Attard with the Rangers’ keeper Pace letting the ball slip between his hands.

Three minutes later Mtarfa were reduced to ten players as Clint Borg passed unwarranted remarks and was sent off. Two minutes Zebbug missed a sitter through Nazzareno Abela.

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri.

Section ‘B’

Gudja-Sta Lucia 4-1

Gudja wasted an easy goal scoring opportunity early on through Steve Buttigieg but they broke the deadlock on seven minutes through an excellent volley by Donald Lia from outside the penalty area.

Then Lia was denied by the Saints’ keeper Anthony Zammit who brought off a difficult save.

Gudja increased their lead on 13 minutes through a penalty given for a foul by Saints’ central defender Dino Pace on Gudja’s striker Roderick Deebattista and converted by Elvin Gauci.

Dino Pace was sent off leaving Santa Lucia with ten players.

Gudja sustained their dominance with Roderick Debattista finishing off a good move to make it 3-0 in the 32nd minute.

Gudja sustained the pressure after the change of ends and they had attempts by Maurice Muscat and Roderick Debattista which were blocked on the goal line by Saints’ defender Charles Vassallo.

On 77 minutes Gudja sealed their easy win with a fourth goal scored by substitute Franklyn Abela but the Saints managed to reduce the arrears in the 84th minute through Kurt Grima from a well-taken corner-kick.

Referee: Adrian Caruana.