Pieta H 1

Rabat A. 0

A penalty scored by Quilin Refalo midway through the second half was enough for Pieta Hotspurs to beat newly promoted Rabat Ajax and go on top with maximum points.

Although the victory was a deserved one for Pieta, the level displayed by the Hotspurs left much to be desired in this very low profile match.

Rabat’s display was even worse as they never even ventured dangerously forward as the Pieta goalkeeper Miguel Montfort remained unbeaten after 180 minutes.

The first half was a real bore to watch with play constantly in midfield and with neither side capable of effecting a series of decent passes. Much more expected from two sides who left a very good impression in their first outing.

The only danger came five minutes from the break when Pieta’s Bilboa Zarate created havoc in the Rabat defensive set up, but was floored just outside the area. From the resultant freekick the same Zarate shot slightly wide.

The second half was slightly better and Pieta were surely the better team. After only five minutes Quilin Refalo almost scored with a back heel flick that almost deceived the Rabat goalkeeper.

On 65 minutes Pieta scored what proved to be the winner, Zach Muscat had a good run on the right flank, penetrated the penalty area but was tripped by Dylan Falzon. From the resultant penalty Quilin Refalo made no mistake.

Rabat had nothing to offer to try to save the game and ten minutes from time Dylan Falzon’s dismal evening came to an end when he was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Rabat: S. Mintoff, N. Caruana, C. Schembri, J. Carmforth, J. Caruana (A. Zahra), J. Felice, A. Smeir, D. Falzon, C. Muscat, D. Azzopardi, C. Gauci (R. Micallef)

Pieta: M. Montfort, C. Spiteri, E. Giaccaglia, Q. Refalo (S. Micallef), T. Agius, Z. Muscat, L. Mallia, C. Cassar (A. Farrugia), J. Bilbao Zarate, D. Mifsud, I. Grech

Referee: Fyodor Zammit