Lija A 0

Rabat A 1

Although playing the last 15 minutes of the match with ten players, Rabat Ajax beat Lija Athletic to keep the pace with front runners Pieta Hotspur.

After a rather slow start in which Lija could have easily taken the lead, Rabat grew in composure and eventually dominated the match even missing a penalty late in the first half. Rabat are now firmly in second place a mere point behind leaders Pieta.

Lija had the best chances in the opening minutes with Keith Darmanin all alone in front of goal but his effort was well saved by the Rabat goalkeeper. Lija had another good opportunity with an Andre Scicluna going slightly wide.

Rabat’s first chance came on 17 minutes but Wilson Caushi’s effort from an acute angle left much to be desired. Lija continued to hold territorial superiority but Rabat missed a sitter when Ryan Micallef headed wide when all alone in front of goal. But Rabat’s best chance was yet to come.

On 43 minutes Joseph Caruana nipped inside the area but was floored by Renato Conceicao for an obvious penalty. But from the penalty spot Arlindo Rustemi’s central shot was blocked by Lija goalkeeper Ini.

On the resumption Rabat were more aggressive with Rustemi missing another golden opportunity, hitting slightly wide. On 55 minutes Clifford Gauci’s central shot was easily saved by Ini.

Two minutes later Rabat close again when Caushi crossed towards Ryan Micallef whose header hit the upright with Ini clearing away the danger. Lija hit back with a dangerous Ige header going inches high.

On 65 minutes Rabat took a deserved lead when Ryan Micallef gave an inch perfect pass towards Wilson Caushi who fired home with a low shot. Five minutes later Lija close to an equalizer when following a melee in front of goal Clayton Giordemaina’s shot was blocked on the goal line by a Rabat defender.

Thirteen minutes from time Rabat were reduced to ten men when Rustemi was sent off for a head butt on a Lija defender. But Lija failed to capitalize even though Rabat goalkeeper brought the house down with a great save off a Thomas Caruana close range shot.

Lija A: E. Ini, R. Conceicao (E. Beu), D. Scerri, E. Briffa (C. Giordemaina), K. Darmanin, B. Camilleri (C. Ciantar), J.P. Scerri, B. Fenech, A. Scicluna, T. Caruana, A. Ige.

Rabat A: S. Mintoff, C. Schembri, J. Caruana, A. Smeir, A. Rustemi, D. Falzon, W. Caushi (W. Borg), Y. Cauchi, R. Micallef (J. Felice), D. Azzopardi, C. Gauci.

Referee: P. Farrugia