Valletta-Hibernians 1-0
Valletta: D. Bartkus, J. Caruana, S. Borg, S. Malano (L. Montebello), M. Mifsud, J. Borg, C. Pani, U. Uchenna Calistus (R. Briffa), L. Aguirre, MA Velasco (L. Cremona), V. Alinho.
Hibernians: A. Hogg, D. Boljevic, J. De Lima Sequeira, B. Kristensen, A. Agius, M. Dias, R. Soares, J. Bezzina (D. Vella), G. Ribeiro da Silva, J. da Silva Pereira (J. Degabriele), M. Moore (C. Failla).
Referee: F. Zammit.
Asst refs: A. Camilleri, W. Debattista.
Additional Asst refs: S Pace, G. Tonna.
4th official: T. Debono.
Scorer: S. Borg.
Yellow cards: U. Uchenna Calistus, A. Hogg, J. Lima, C. Pani.
Red card: S. Borg.
Player of the match: M. Mifsud.
TMI Top 3: 1. A. Hogg.; 2. M. Mifsud, 3. B. Kristensen.
Attendance: 2,371
Henry Brincat
An added time strike by Steve Borg gave Valletta a precious victory over league leaders Hibernians yesterday evening.
The result, coupled with Balzan’s win against Gzira means that the Paolites now lead by just two points with just five matches remaining. A situation which will make the remainder of the campaign very interesting.
Hibernians remain on 59 points, while Valletta and Balzan are on 57.
It was an important match for both sides, but especially for the citizens for whom a victory was a must to keep in touch in the final run-in for the title.
City took the initiative from the start and penned Hibs in their half for most of the time, allowing only a few moments to the Paolites to surge forward.
As expected, Valletta took the game to their opponents in the first half in search of a victory that would have put them back firmly in contention for the title.
But the Paolites were well organised at the back with Andrei Agius and Rodolfo Soares dominating at the back.
Goal scoring opportunities were few and far between as the Paolites amassed their defence obviously happy to get away even with a draw.
In the second period, it was again tight with the Paolites electing to concentrate mainly at the back where goalie Hogg was in inspiring form with two excellent saves and some brilliant interceptions.
Valletta attacked for long stretches, but could not find a way past the Hibs defence which sometimes had nine players in front of Hogg.
Their insistence in attack brought about its reward in added time when they scored a precious winner which could yet see them successfully defending their title.
Valletta went out in search of an early goal and on the ninth minute, a Michael Mifsud dangerous low cross found no takers in front of the Hibs goal.
As Valletta insisted on attack, it was again Michael Mifsud, in the 22nd minute, to test goalie Hogg, but his shot was easily saved by the Hibs goalie.
In the 26th minute, from a Claudio Pani cross, Velasco’s header was well saved by the diving Hogg.
Two minutes later, Bartkus was called into action for the first time saving with some difficulty a looping corner from Jackson Lima.
At the other end, soon after, it was again Mifsud who tested Hogg, but the Hibs goalie saved in two attempts.
In the 40th minute, Jorge Pereira of Hibs was injured and was stretchered off and later taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Photos Domenic Aquilina
Soon after the start of the second half, Dias advanced unhindered on the right flank to send in a dangerous cross which was, however, headed away by Steve Borg.
At the other end, Mifsud was thwarted by a fine save from Hogg who turned his shot to corner in style.
In the 57th minute, Valletta went close to opening the score when off a Pani cornerkick, a Hibernians defender managed to clear to another corner in extremis as two Valletta players were ready for the kill.
In the 70th minute a full-blooded 30-metre shot was excellently turned to corner by Hogg.
The Hibs goalie was the great protagonist once again on the 82nd minute as he turned to corner a fine inswinger by substitute Luke Montebello which appeared destined for the net.
At the other end, Gilmar was involved in a solo move, but his final effort went wide.
It was in added time that Valletta were rewarded for their efforts when Steve Borg solved a melee in front of Hogg, sending the City fans into raptures.
From hero, Borg became a villain soon after when he was dismissed by referee Zammit for a bad foul.
Near the end, Hibs forced some corners in an attempt to get back on level terms, but the citizens held firm to win three precious points.
Mosta-St Andrew's 1-2
Mosta: Y. Cini, A. Caruana, M. Toth, T. Farrugia, F. Onwudinjo (R. Ekani), K. Magro, D. Fenech, P. Dos Santos Calcado, P. Njongo (D. Xuereb), JP Mifsud Triganza (Z. Brincat), K. Frendo.
St Andrews: J. Galea, M. Johnson, K. Keswinovic, D. McKay, E. Pena Beltre, D. Camilleri, J. Farrugia, I. Paz, A. Friggieri (J.Walker), Z. Kastrevec (F. Udoh), K. Nwoko (D. Brandle).
Referee: M. Apap
Asst refs: L. Portelli, P. Apap.
4th official: A. M. Sant.
Scorers: K. Nwoko, P. Dos Santos Calcado pen, D. Camilleri,
Yellow cards: K. Frendo, E. Pena Beltre, JP Mifsud Triganza, P. Dos Santos Calcado.
Red cards:
Player of the match: I. Paz.
TMI Top 3: 1. I. Paz, 2. K. Nwoko, 3. K. Frendo.
St Andrews obtained their seventh win of the season as they beat relegation-haunted Mosta in yesterday’s first match at Ta’ Qali.
Kyrian Nwoko gave them the lead, but Pedro dos Santos Calcado equalised for Mosta from a penalty. Early in the second half, it was Dale Camilleri who scored what proved to be the winner for the Saints.
The win moved St Andrews alongside Tarxien and Gzira on the 31-point mark. They are now practically safe - 15 points away from the relegation zone with five more matches to be played. Mosta remain last from bottom on 16 points.
In the first half, St Andrews appeared to be more aggressive and more methodic in their approach in the opening stages, and it was no surprise that they eventually took the lead.
Slowly but surely, Mosta fought back and also managed to gain equilibrium by scoring a penalty.
After that, they looked like the better side on the field of play and could have also scored again had they taken the chances which came their way.
In the second half, Mosta started like a house on fire in search of a goal, but it was the Saints who scored to regain the lead which they kept till the end.
Mosta tried hard to get back on level terms, but St Andrews defended well and never appeared to be on the point of collapse.
St Andrews took the initiative right from the first whistle and in the 12th minute, Pena Beltre tried to set Aidan Friggieri in the Mosta area, but goalie Cini rushed out of his charge to make a fine interception.
Moments later, from an Ivan Paz freekick, Johnson headed well over the bar from three metres.
Mosta had a good chance to take the lead in the 18th minute when Calcado set Njongo Priso beautifully, but the latter, all alone, hit incredibly wide with only goalie Galea to beat.
It was St Andrews who eventually broke the ice in the 24th minute. Ivan Paz crossed perfectly for Kyrian Nwoko to head into the net past the helpless Cini.
In the 30th minute, Mosta were dangerous once again when Calcado’s cross-shot was missed in front of goal by the sliding Kyle Frendo.
In the 34th minute, a Mifsud Triganza shot was partially parried by goalie Galea. In the ensuing action, Kesinovic pushed Kurt Magro in the area and referee, Mario Apap, showed no hesitation in pointing to the dreaded spot. Pedro dos Santos Calcado equalised from the spotkick with a low shot to the left corner.
Mosta were now playing much better and in the 44th minute, they threatened again first through Priso and then Calcado, who had furious efforts blocked by St Andrews defenders.
In the 49th minute, a Calcado header was saved by Galea with the help of the crossbar. Then Galea was prominent as he saved a close range header by Mifsud Triganza.
St Andrews regained the lead on the 53rd minute when Friggieri set Dale Camilleri, who delivered a fine shot which went in via the upright.
In added time, Ekani missed a good chance to equalise for Mosta when after going past the onrushing Galea, he hesitated and his final angled effort was blocked to a corner by the Saints goalie.
HAMRUN SPARTANS- 1
FLORIANA - 2
Hamrun S: D. Cassar, J. Neto, K. Micallef, M. Micallef, S. Nanapere, L. Grech, I. Misan, L. Motta (S. Arab), J. Grech, S. Raphael, L. Sciberras
Floriana: M. Grech, A. Scicluna, A. Monticelli, E. Ruiz, S. Pisani, I. Varela, S. Nayar, M. Vella, A. Cini, A. Samb, M. Fontanella
Referee: S. Spiteri
Asst.refs: P. Abela, D. Petrovic
4th official: E. Grech
Scorers: A. Cini 14, L. Motta 41, M. Fontanella 68 pen
Yellow cards: M. Fontanella, S. Pisani, L. Grech, A. Cini, S. Nayar
Red cards: S. Pisani, S. Arab
Player of the match: A. Samb (Floriana)
TMI top 3: 1. L. Motta 2. M. Fontanella 3. M. Vella
Attendance: 439
SILVIO VELLA
A depleted Floriana side showed enough spirit and combatative effort to down Hamrun Spartans’ challenge in an entertaining game that was evenly balanced.
Floriana’s motivation to win and keep challenging for a top spot was perhaps more evident throughout the 90 minutes. Hamrun in fairness, did not lack gusto here and could have even settled for a draw.
The Greens enjoyed the expected majority of possesssion in the first half, but, after going in front through Alex Cini, conceded Hamrun’s equaliser before halftime.
Floriana, who showed a hearty appetite for the fight, had to survive a spirited second half from Hamrun before making the points safe, thanks to a rather sloppy penalty scored by their best player Mario Fontanella, as the tempo of the game intensified in the second half and both teams had a player sent off.
Floriana were hit hard by suspensions. No less than four key players, keeper Justin Haber, Enrico Pepe, Nicolas Chiesa and Ryan Camenzuli, were all ineligible for yesterday’s match. Sebastian Nayar played in an unusual position of central defender. Injury has again kept Jurgen Pisani out of this match.
Hamrun coach Jacques Scerri had the pleasure of deploying the same line-up that had drew with Tarxien in the weekend, with the exception of Saturday Nanapere replacing Siraj Arab.
Both goalkeepers were tested early. After four minutes, Floriana’s Grech was called to save a Motta header off a Sciberras free kick. On the other end, Varela put Pisani through. His shot was held out by Cassar.
Then, short of the quarter hour, Floriana opened the scoring. Mano Micallef cleared a Floriana corner and the ball fell to Alex Cini whose low drive from outside the area beat the keeper as the ball hit the inside of the post.
The goal galvanised the Greens who kept pushing forward in search of more goals and the Spartans had to endure some anxious moments thereafter. On the half hour, Samb shot wide from a promising position after controlling Pisani’s cross. Floriana were playing the better football. Seven minutes later Samb stood unmarked inside the Hamrun area. He headed firmly Fontanella’s cross from the right but defender Raphael blocked his effort.
Hamrun’s response to falling behind came four minutes before the break. Mano Micallef’s cross from the left was played by Nanapere inside the Floriana area and some sloppy defending allowed Leandro Motta to score from close range.
Unfortunately for Floriana, despite dominating possession in the second half, they failed to continue creating such a sequence of clear chances after the interval.
In fact Hamrun, who stayed compact and defended deep, had their moments. On 53 minutes Motta advanced through the middle, played the ball wide to Jake Grech whose effort from the left flashed across the Floriana goal.
On 65 minutes Hamrun had claims for a penalty turned down for a handling by a Floriana defender but the penalty was awarded on the other end three minutes later. When Neto blocked Samb’s progression inside the Hamrun area, Mario Fontanella could put the Greens back in the lead from the spot.
The teams ended up playing with ten men each. On 70 minutes Floriana’s Steve Pisani received his marching orders for a second caution and Hamrun’s substitute Siraj Arab was also sent off six minutes later.
Floriana survived a late scare as Neto’s header, in added time, ended inches out to the relief of the Greens’ fans.
Balzan-Gzira 3-1
This was a chance for Balzan to recover from two consecutive defeats that had put them off track in the title race. Against Gzira United yesterday, they could not afford another reverse.
Having started slowly, it took Balzan a while to adjust. Yet it was defence against attack after the break, Balzan increasing the tempo, Gzira barely daring to cross the halfway line.
A ten-minute burst saw them score three goals that actually secured them the win that keeps them in the chasing hunt.
There was no shortage attacking intent and commitment from Balzan but a painful lack of quality in the final third in the first half helped explain their recent struggles.
Balzan had Ivan Janjusevic suspended and coach Oliver Spiteri also opted to drop Alan Souza and Bojan Kaljevic from his starting line-up.
Abdelkarim Nafti and Lydon Micallef started instead.
Balzan, as expected, made the more assertive start. After eight minutes Effiong headed Grima’s cross over the bar.
Micallef was finding ample space through the middle although his final pass to his team mates often went astray or was intercepted by the Gzira rearguard.
Past the quarter hour Piciollo’s shot from inside the area was slightly off target.
Gzira, deprived of two key elements in the likes of Andrew Cohen and Souleyman Diamoutene, both suspended, struggled to create any chances in the opening half.
Carlos Reyna, scorer of a hat-trick against St Andrews, was starved of service. When he got the ball, he was either stopped by the Balzan defence or shot horrendously off target.
But Balzan were also lacklustre for the first 45 minutes and hesitant in their finishing. Balzan enjoyed more ball and territory yet the Maroons were comfortable.
Things improved for Balzan after the interval.They substituted Paul Fenech with Andrew Agius at the start of the second half. To them fell the first chance when Nafti headed a Ryan Fenech corner wide.
The Tunisian made amends on 49 minutes as Balzan broke the deadlock. Effiong, who became highly influential, did the good work on the left. His low cross was held out by keeper Curmi but the ball fell to the unmarked Nafti who scored with an instinctive finish.
Cracks were starting to show in the Gzira rearguard as they conceded a second goal three minutes later when Balzan were awarded a penalty after Micallef was bundled by Corbolana and Borg as he made his way inside the Gzira area from the left. Lydon Micallef himself tucked it away to double Balzan’s lead.
Gzira’s resistance was completely shattered towards the hour, as they fell further behind. Bojan Kaljevic, who had just gone in for Nafti, was allowed a free header on Ryan Fenech’s floating free kick. This was the striker’s first league goal in a month.
Gzira finally looked menacing on 77 minutes. On Corbolan’s free kick, Scerri’s goalbound header was saved by keeper Cassar with the help of the post.
Gzira also contrived to miss a penalty on 80 minute, after substitute Arab felled Reyna inside the area. Reyna stepped up to take the kick but lofted the ball over the bar.
Balzan ended the match with ten men as they had Arab sent off for a crude tackle on Falzon two minutes from time and in the game’s added time, Zachary Scerri got a consolation goal for the Maroons as he deflected in a low ball inside the Balzan area.