Brazilian Ruiz gave a five star performance yesterday to lead his side to a comeback victory against bottom of the table Msida, who suffered their ninth consecutive defeat of the season.
Msida arguably played one of their best matches so far, hitting the post on two instances and deservedly taking the lead. But the three substitutions made by the Saints were the turning point of the match. Ryan Sell and especially Gary Inguanez gave the Saints new lease of life, and Ruiz came bang into form after a stuttering start.
After a rather quite start the Saints had their first attempt on 15 minutes with Brazilian Ruiz missing a sitter in front of goal with only goalkeeper Jeremy Alden to beat. Some minutes later Luke Agius had a good central run but his finishing left much to be desired and his shot was easily saved by Alden.
On 25 minutes St George’s had their best chance of the first half when a Dylan Zarb cross from the right was handled by Karl Saliba and referee Arciola was on the right spot to award the penalty. But from the penalty spot Glenn Bonello who was returning to the side shot rather weakly and Alden dived to his left to block the grounder.
A minute later Msida were very unlucky not to take the lead when following a Farrugia freekick, Neil Curmi’s shot on the turn slammed against the crossbar.
In the last minutes of the first half St George’s went close again with a Ruiz diagonal shot that slightly missed the base of the upright.
On the resumption Msida were again denied by the woodwork when a good effort by Lyden Micallef from the edge of the area beat Thomas Galea, but again the crossbar came to the Saints’ rescue. But on 56 minutes Msida took the lead. Christ Zammit headed towards debutant Ismail Achami who sped towards goal, dribbling past goalkeeper Thomas Galea before hammering at the back of the net.
The Saints introduced Mark Barbara, Gary Inguanez and Ryan Sell and these substitutions had the desired effect as on 63 minutes the Saints were back on level terms when Gary Inguanez crossed towards Mark Barbara who headed in from close range.
The Saints were now playing the better football with Ruiz in splendid form. But Msida could have regained the lead on 75 minutes when Achami missed a great chance following an Msidaswift counter break.
Eleven minutes from time St George’s took the lead when Ryan Sell passed towards Ruiz and the Brazilian crowned a five star performance when he slotted the ball past a helpless Alden.
Msida’s last desperate efforts were not enough as the Saints added a third in injury time when Ruiz was tripped inside the area by substitute Lesley Cassar and the Saints were awarded the second penalty of the day, and this time Gary Inguanez made nomistake sending Alden the wrong way.
Msida SJ J. Alden, A. Farrugia, L. Micallef, J. Brincat (L. Cassar), I. Darmanin, J. Mifsud, N. Curmi, V. Alhinio, I. Achami, C. Zammit (R. Caruana), K. Saliba (C. Cioffi).
St. George’s T. Galea, A. Bonello (M. Barbara), D. Zahra, E. Sevasta, L. Agius, E. Amaira, B. Fenech, D. Zarb (G. Inguanez), G. Bonello (R. Sell), T. Farrugia, J. Ruiz.
Referee Andre Arciola