APS Bank U-15 Section A

Sliema W. 1

Hamrun S. 0

This game was decided by a second half goal. Hamrun enjoyed the lion’s share of exchanges in the first half while the second half was a balanced affair. Following this game Sliema are in 4th position on 34 points from 17 games while Hamrun are in 9th position on 14 points also from 17 games.

The first actions were created by Hamrun. Luke Bugeja was fouled on the left flank, from the free kick by the same player the ball was partly cleared and Sliema keeper Jovin Ebejer saved the rebound by Gerard Farrugia. From a corner kick by Bugeja, Ebejer partly palmed the ball and a defender cleared it on the fatal line.

At the other end, Kurt Cutajar was fouled on the right flank and from the same player’s free kick Hamrun keeper Matthew Taliana partly saved the ball and a defender cleared it to safety.

The Spartans soon regained the initiative and mounted four further actions. Dylan Spiteri was fouled outside the area and Ebejer saved in two attempts from the free kick by Bugeja. Spiteri then released Jake Grech on the right flank who, after entering the area, saw his shot being partially saved by Ebejer with the ball being eventually cleared. 

Hamrun mounted the first action after the resumption in the 40th minute. A one-two between Luke Galea and Aidon Camilleri finished with the latter crossing the ball in the area and a defender cleared it to a corner, while at the other end minutes later, Xuereb served Michael Galea in the area and he missed the upright from his shot.

Sliema forged ahead in the 48th minute with a choral move between three players. Jake Micallef served Miguel Farrugia on the right flank who, after advancing, served Michael Galea with a cross who scored with a header.

In another action by Hamrun, Gary Cauchi released Camilleri who hit the side-netting.

Sliema came close a second goal in the 54th minute when they won a corner kick on the right flank which was well-taken by Kurt Cutajar and Galea headed slightly over the bar.

In a Hamrun reaction, Camilleri served Grech with a square pass and Ebejer saved his shot from outside the area.

In another Sliema attack, substitute Jurgen Suda, son of ex-Sliema player Hubert, served Galea in the area and Taliana saved his shot in two attempts.

Before the end, Galea was fouled outside the area and Bugeja drove out from the resultant free kick.

Referee: Keith Buhagiar            

Player of the match: Luke Bugeja (Hamrun S)