A 93rd minute penalty promoted Vittoriosa to the semi-final stages of the Knock Out competition, at the expenses of neighbours St George’s in a Cottonera derby that produced five goals and some thrilling moments near the end.

Both sides had their good moments with St. George’s holding the upper hand in the initial stages but Vittoriosa came back strongly and eventually snatched a dramatic winner.

St George’s did the early running with Anizoba a constant menace. However Vittoriosa created the first danger with a Keith Darmanin freekick going inches wide. On the other end Mead Mifsud’s shot on the turn was beautifully deflected by goalkeeper Cassar.

On 15 minutes St George’s took the lead when Anizoba beat the offside trap and anticipated goalkeeper Cassar with the ball finishing at the back of the net.

After suffering the goal Vittoriosa settled down and started to play better going near with shots from Darmanin and Grech. On 30 minutes Vittoriosa went close with a Leighton Grech that was blocked by Keith Xuereb. From the resultant corner taken by Lagana, Keith Darmanin headed home the equalizer.

Vittoriosa dominated the final stages of the first half and going near with a fierce drive by Robert Adami which was blocked by Andrea Gatt.

Seven minutes into the second half St. George’s regained the lead when Christian Grech fired a beauty from the edge of the area with the ball in the top corner for a splendid goal. But ten minutes later Vittoriosa were back on level terms when Anthony Eviparker headed in a Keith Darmanin cross from the right flank. Minutes later St George’s went close again when a Christian Grech cross was missed by all except by Anizoba who hit the base of the upright from close range.

In the final stages both sides tried their best to score the winner but both sides were not dangerous and the match was heading for extra time when Vittoriosa scored a dramatic winner. In the 93rd minute, Larry Lagana’s corner was met by Robert Adami whose header beat the Vittoriosa goalkeeper but Mead Mifsud punched the ball off the goal line. Referee Attard awarded Vittoriosa the penalty and sent off Mead Mifsud. From the penalty spot Ivan Zammit made no mistake to send the Vittoriosa supporters in jubilation.