Match
Report:
St Lawrence Spurs obtained a close victory
over bottom placed Oratory Youths and with the three points obtained
they are joining SK Victoria Wanderers at the top of the table,
although the latter have a game in hand. The Spurs found it more
difficult than expected to win all points at stake from this encounter.
They must have been overconfident as they failed to take control
of play. The Youths produced a positive performance. They were well
organized at the defense and quite effective at the midfield. However,
the Youths are weak in attack and find it extremely difficult to
create danger.
In
the 12th minute the Saints went close to scoring but a header by
Adalberto Goncalves from a cross by Oliver Farrugia ended just wide.
The Youths had a golden scoring opportunity in the 19th minute when
Ishaku Umoru entered the area in a fast break but had his shot blocked
by goalie Samuel Micallef, and from the rebound Stephen Theuma’s
low shot was saved by the same goalkeeper. The Spurs were again
dangerous near the end of the first half through an shot by Goncalves
that ended just wide and in the 45th minute a free kick by the Brazilian
striker hit the crossbar.
After
the break Oratory’s goalie Daniel Borg made a good svae following
a shot by Paul Attard and the Youths replied in the 55th minute
through a cross-shot by Alex Sacco that was turned in corner by
goalie Samuel Micallef. Minutes later Goncalves failed to connect
to an inviting low cross by Oliver Farrugia.
The
Saints scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute through a low
shot by Paul Attard following a fine move by Jesmond Xerri. Oraory’s
immediate reaction was sterile and the Spurs could have secured
the victory another goal in the 81st minute, but an effort by Paul
Attard following a solo effort ended wide. Oratory were denied an
equaliser in the 87th minute when an overhead kick by Ishaku Umoru
was turned in corner in style by goalie Samuel Micallef. The Saints
were unlucky in the second minute of stoppage time when a low shot
by Jonathan Micallef hit the post.
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