This U*BET FA Trophy quarter final, played almost under continuous rain, produced six goals, four penalties, one miss and a sending off.
It finally went Tarxien’s way, as they now move into the semis, but it was no joy ride. Vittoriosa at times looked capable of pulling off another upset after they had eliminated Marsaxlokk in the competition’s second round.
The Stars took a first half lead through a penalty but Tarxien, who were awarded two other penalties, missed one and scored the other to draw level before halftime. But Tarxien assured themselves of qualification with three second half goals within 17 minutes to dismantle plucky Vittoriosa who put up another spirited performance.
As expected, Tarxien made the early running and inside the first quarter hour they had four attempts at goal, one also hitting the post.
A Grioli free kick after two minutes was tipped over the bar by keeper Jean Vella, deputizing for Simon Agius in the Vittoriosa goal.
And after Calabretta sent his shot wide, Bueno’s effort beat the onrushing keeper but Cachia cleared the danger.
On the quarter hour, Bueno advanced on the left. His low diagonal shot hit the foot of the far post.
Midway through the half, Vittoriosa suddenly jerked into shape. Compagnoli beat Galea’s challenge, advanced down the right but his low shot was footed out by keeper Cassar and Sammut skied the rebound.
On 26 minutes Vittoriosa were awarded a penalty when the referee noticed Anonam’s pulling on Edison inside the area from a corner kick. Luis Edison converted from the spot to give the Stars a surprise lead.
On 33 minutes, Edison ran in for Compagnoli’s long ball but lacked the required co ordination and mishit his shot.
With the tide shifting in Vittoriosa’ favour, Tarxien were handed a lifeline when winning a penalty five minutes from the break after Chetcuti handled inside the area.
But keeper Vella guessed right and dived to his left to hold out Bueno’s spot kick. Tarxien again went close on the stroke of halftime with a Pereira looping header that clipped the bar from a Calabretta corner.
And deep into added time, Chetcuti fouled Galea inside the area to concede another penalty. This time Ricardo Costa beat the keeper with a low drive.
Chetcuti was substituted by Leighton Grech as Compagnoli retreated in defence for the second half. Tarxien also put in Ryan Mintoff for Anonam.
On 55 minutes, Pereira handled the ball on the edge of the area and Compagnoli shot the free kick narrowly off target.
On the other end, Rodriguez missed a glaring chance, hitting wide Bueno’s cross in front of goal.
But on 63 minutes they forged ahead. On a Rodriguez shot the ball slipped from the keeper’s grip on the wet surface and Luke Vella Critien was quick to shoot in the loose ball.
And on 74 minutes Tarxien scored their third. Ricardo Costa headed in Calabretta’s corner to end all of Vittoriosa’s flickering hopes.
The Stars collapsed to concede a fourth goal with ten minutes remaining. Costa set the ball rolling from midfield towards Pereira. His cross was well met by Daniel Bueno who beat keeper Vella.
Vittoriosa’a late efforts brought them a consolation goal on the stroke of full time, once again through a penalty scored by Jorge Silva after their best player Edison was fouled inside the area. But that only served for statistical purposes, as was Tarxien defender Pereira’s sending off for a second booking in added time.
Tarxien R D. Cassar, M. Caruana (S. Sadowski), E. Pereira, G. Calabretta (A. Farrugia), R. Costa, C. Rodriguez, D. Bueno, L. Vella Critien, O. Anonam (R. Mintoff), L. Galea, J. Grioli
Vittoriosa S J. Vella, D. Cachia, J. Chetcuti (L. Grech), J. Camilleri (A. Tabone), S. Wellman, J. Da Silva, K. Sammut (L. Lagana), C. Compagnoli, L. Edison, M. Maccari, R. Grech
Referee M. Borg
Asst.refs I. Spiteri, W. Debattista
4th official G. Tonna
Scorers L. Edison 26 pen, R. Costa 45 pen, 74, L. Vella Critien 63, D. Bueno 80, J. Silva 90 pen
Yellow cards K. Sammut, J. Chetcuti, E. Pereira, C. Compagnoli, E. Pereira, S. Wellman, L.Grech
Red card E. Pereira