Two early goals proved to be decisive in this play-off, with Santa Lucia retaining their Premiership status and with Zejtun retaining their position in the Challenge League. Santa Lucia started the match as favourites as Zejtun stuttered in the second phase of the season and the two goals scored in the first seventeen minutes of the match, practically killed all interest in this encounter.

Arguably this was the most one sided play-off in the history of these playoffs between a premier and a challenge league side. Santa Lucia were the better team and the two early made it easier for Potenza’s side.

Santa Lucia immediately made their intentions clear taking the lead after barely two minutes play when Kyrian Nwoko scored with a low shot from a corner action. Santa Lucia continued to dictate matters as Zejtun were in apparent difficulty.

After a couple of near misses by Sant Lucia, they doubled the score on 17 minutes with a slick move that put through Hehedosh who lobbed the ball over the onrushing Farrugia for a well taken goal.

After this double blow Zejtun tried to get back in the game and had some dangerous moves especially near the end of the first half, but Santa Lucia were always dangerous whenever they ventured forward.

The second was more balanced with Santa Lucia controlling their two-goal cushion. Zejtun tried to get back in the game but their efforts never really worried the Santa Luci reaguard.

On 62 minutes Santa Lucia almost scored a third when Nwoko passed towards Pisani who was denied by a brilliant save from Farrugia.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina