Dingli S 1

Pieta H 0

Dingli Swallows bounced back to life yesterday to beat Pieta and qualify for the semi final stages of the KO competition. This win came just seven days after Dingli received a drubbing against the same Pieta suffering six goals in the process.

Giorev’s touch worked wonders on the Dingli players as they gave a spirited performance gaining a deserved victory,that also augurs well for the rest of the season. Dingli will now face Lija Athletic in the semi final next May.

It was a highly entertaining match with both sides giving their best, but Dingli were surely the better team yesterday and fully deserved their victory.

This KO match was postponed way back in September, with Dingli needing a victory to qualify whilst a draw was enough for Pieta. This was their second encounter in the space of seven days, with Pieta destroying the Swallows 6-1 in the league campaign.

But without Zach Muscat and Quelein Refalo, things immediately looked to be different yesterday for Pieta.

On their part Dingli Swallows, under the guidance of Borislav Giorev who took over the side in mid-week, looked a completely transformed side.

Pieta had a Pisani header and a Lijeskic shot going over the bar and on 11 minutes Dingli went ahead. Kurt Pace did all the running and crossed towards Joreilly Chirino who slotted the ball home from close range.

Pieta had an immediate reaction with a Jesmond Azzopardi shot going inches high and a Bandeira low shot hitting the base of the upright. Dingli however were very dangerous in their breaks with Chris Ciappara denied by a brilliant Vella save.

The same Vella was again called in action saving shots from Clayton Caruana and the inspired Chris Azzopardi.

In the second period Chirino missed a sitter when he blasted high with only goalkeeper Vella to beat. On the other end a Bandeira header was blocked by a Dingli defender.

Pieta piled the pressure but Dingli led by a brilliant Shaun Tellus in defence, were able to withstand the pressure and hit back in fast breaks. Chirino missed another good chance hitting the side netting from an acute angle.

Dingli continued to waste some favourable scoring opportunities with goalkeeper Kersten Vella making a string of great saves to keep his side hoping.