White Hart 2

Rabat 1

Umpires: Paul Brincat, Reno Cremona

White Hart started the game like a house on fire and could have gone ahead in the first ten minutes hadn’t it been for three fine saves effected by Rabat’s custodian  Ian Azzopardi.  

In the 11th minute Rabat wnet ahead when James Azzopardi scored from a penalty corner action. 

They applied further pressure, winning three penalty corners but steady goal keeping by Robert Vassallo Agius, White Hart’s keeper left the score unchanged at half time.

Early in the second half both teams spurned  goal scoring chances but in the 55th minute White Hart broke away on a counter attack and Karl Tua met a cross from the right to equalise.  

Rabat reacted strongly and in the 68th minute they managed to miss the simplest of chances which required a simple push into the net from an ideal position.  

A minute later they were unlucky not to go ahead when during short corner action, Shawn Falzon hit the post with a tremendous drive which resulted in the ball coming straight back to him at the top of the D.  

White Hart counter attacked immediately and Daniel Siefert connected to put them ahead with a carbon copy move of the first goal.  

They pressed further creating a couple of other chances and Rabat did not manage to claw back into the game therefore losing precious points in their push for the title challenge.

Young Stars 1

Qormi 1

Umpires: Anthony Tabone, Alain Vella

Qormi took the lead through Jonathan Borg in the second minute as a result of a penalty corner action.  

The game provided cup tie fare with pace and endeavour outsmarting tactical play. 

In the 25th minute Young Stars created a chance which was cleared off the line and in the 27th minute, Luke Borg Costanzi equalised after a prolonged action under the posts as a result of a penalty corner. 

Far from being a dull game it resulted in a dingdong battle with both teams closing down space for each other and not letting their playmakers create chances.

The second half produced a balanced period of play with neither team able to establish command of the proceedings.  

Clear goal scoring chances were few and far between with midfielders holding sway. 

Qormi won two penalty corners during this half while Young Stars created two half chances which were not converted. 

In the end a hard fought match ended with honours even, leaving Qormi two points ahead of Rabat after this round of games.