Dingli S 2
Birzebbuga SP 1
Dingli Swallows confirmed their First Division status with a fine victory over Birzebbuga St Peters where they dominated for practically all the encounter.
The Swallows had to win this final encounter of the season to have a hope of remaining in the First Division and St Patricks would draw or lose their game against Lija Athletic to avoid a decider. St George’s were also in the mix as they were playing against Naxxar Lions and were also looking for a win to have some hope of a decider.
Dingli came close after just four minutes when Daniel Cilia blasted wide from close range. Porcari was also close on 16 minutes with a long range effort that was tipped over by Casha. Dingli continued to create chances and on 25 minutes it was Porcari who forced a brilliant save off Casha who tipped over for a corner.
On the half hour, Dingli were awarded a penalty when Baldacchino tripped Cilia in the box with Porcari converting the penalty sending the keeper the wrong way with the ball hitting the inside post before entering the net.
On 36 minutes, Dingli again came close when Konda’s shot was tipped for a corner by Farrugia.
Dingli made the game safe on 55 minutes when Porcari crossed to Cilia who somehow managed to push the ball across the line with Casha beaten.
Dingli continued dominating the encounter with Birzebbuga not even venturing forward once.
On the 70 minute mark, Dingli almost made it three when Cilia released Porcari whose volley was brilliantly saved by Casha. From the resulting corner, Konda again forced a brilliant save off Casha who singlehandedly was keeping the score at a respectable level.
Dingli continued controlling the encounter without much ado although in the dying seconds, Birzebbuga won a penalty when Borg was felled in the box with Tanti converting the spotkick for a consolation goal.
Dingli S: J Farrugia , F Dingli, A Portelli, R Micallef, L Konda, R Vella (K Fenech), K Formosa (K Asciak), E Farrugia, C Porcari, D Cilia (J Farrugia), C Azzopardi
Birzebbuga SP: I Casha (G Farrugia), M Pullicino (A Cutajar), P Camilleri, D Baldacchino, K Spiteri, R Peplow, G Tanti, M Sciortino, K Muscat, K Borg, A Dalli (C Frendo)
Referee: Clayton Pisani