| Match
Report:
Gharb Rangers and Oratory Youths started
the second round of the campaign on a positive note and earned a
point each from a draw of six goals. This was an interesting match
between two sides who are determined to make up for the disappointing
performances and results obtained during the first round. This was
Gharb’s second consecutive draw after three consecutive defeats,
which leaves them away from the top of the table. On the other hand
Oratory are still after the first victory in the campaign and this
was only the third draw from seven matches.
In
this match the Youths should have done better, especially when considering
that they had an extra player on the field of play for more than
an hour. The Rangers on the other hand may be more disappointed
as they lost a two goal lead which was obtained with a player less
on the pitch. At the end, the final score was just and rewards the
efforts of the two sides.
Gharb
opened the score in the 12th minute through a header by Abdul Mutalib
from a corner action. The Youths failed to produce a decent reaction
while the Rangers complicated their matters in the 22nd minute when
Aaron Camilleri was sent off for a second caution and left his side
with a player less on the field of play. Gharb recovered better
than their opponents and doubled the score in the 29th minute through
another header by Abdul Mutalib from another corner action. Oratory
managed to reduce the arrears in the 35th minute through a goal
by Ishaku Umoru who placed in goal from close distance following
a pass by George Louis Zammit.
After
the break Oratory seemed more aggressive but in the 58th minute
Gharb regained a two goal lead through a lob by Roy Vella following
a persistent action on the flank by Hamed Sulaiman. However, Oratory
were not demoralised and Ishaku Umoru reduced the deficit to one
goal in the 64th minute following a personal action. The Youths
kept insisting and managed to level the score in the 72nd minute
with a tap-in by George Louis Zammit following a melee at Gharb’s
goalmouth. Play now became more exciting as both teams tried to
win full points form this encounter. Oratory went closest to scoring
in the final minutes of the match and it was Gharb’s goalie
Stephen Apap who saved the point for his side with two fine saves.
In the first occasion the goalkeeper saved a low shot by Alex Sacco,
while in the other occasion he turned in corner with difficulty
an effort by Andrew. |