Match Video:

Match Report: (courtesy of www.gozofootball.net)

Oratory Youths obtained their first points in the campaign with a hard-earned win over Zebbug Rovers.  The match was quite interesting, as play was balanced during the first period but Oratory produced a determined reaction as they found themselves trailing by one goal early into the second period.  Oratory’s veteran striker Dione Lautier was the protagonist for his side by scoring the two decisive goals of the encounter.

   The Rovers had a better start and produced some pressure over their opponents.  They were also dangerous in the 2^nd minute through an attempt by Sylvan Galea that was blocked by goalie Franklin Vella.  The Youths replied in the 10^th minute through an angled shot by veteran Dione Lautier that missed the target.  As time passed by Oratory settled better and started to share play with their opponents.  Until the break play took place mainly in the midfield and the two goalkeepers were not called to make any difficult interventions.

   Oratory seemed more aggressive in the early stages of the second period but it was Zebbug who opened the score.  In the 47^th minute Josmar Farrugia unmarked Sylvan Galea just outside the area and the latter surprised the goalkeeper with a fine strike.  The Youths were not demoralized and tried to produce a reaction.  In the 55^th minute a header by Dione Lautier form a cross by Francesco Cini ended just high.  Three minutes later Giovan Grech released Francesco Cini in Zebbug’s area but goalie Noel Saliba had good timing and blocked Cini’s attempt.  Oratory’s efforts were rewarded on 70 minute when Dione Lautier leveled the score with a fine header following a cross from the left by Andrew Zammit.  Zebbug replied in the 76^th minute with a header by substitute Steve Xuereb from a corner action that ended high.  One minute later an attempt by the same Xuereb was partially saved by goalie Vella and form the rebound Sylvan Galea incredibly concluded wide with an open goal at his mercy.  In the 80^th minute Oratory’s Dione Lautier concluded high a free kick by Francesco Cini and in the following action an effort by substitute Alex Sacco ended high.  Oratory took the lead in the 81^st minute through a strike by Dione Lautier from close distance to conclude an inviting low cross by Andrew Zammit.  In the final stages of the match Oratory could have sealed the issue but a lob by Francesco Cini in the 88^th minute ended high and one minute later goalie Noel Saliba blocked a close ranged effort by Lautier following a personal action.

Referee: Reno Refalo