10 March 2020
GFA Division II KO Q/final Kercem Ajax Stadium
St Lawrence Spurs FC: 2
Zebbug Rovers FC: 0
102’ (1-0) o.g. Matthion Formosa
117’ (2-0) Matthias Michael Uzor
St Lawrence S:
A. Brignoli, J. Vella, C. Grima, J. Theuma (M. Camilleri Psaila) (C. Azzopardi), C. Tabone (C. Mifsud), C. Cauchi, M.M. Uzor, J. Grima, D. Micallef, K. Formosa, L. Buttigieg.
Zebbug R:
B. Saliba, R. Saliba (M. Grima), C. Farrugia (E. Galea), M. Formosa, O. Calleja, R. Grima (J. Azzopardi), L. Farrugia, S. Sultana, F. Attard (T. Barbosa), F. Cini, P.P. Buttigieg.
St Lawrence Spurs reached the semi-final of the second most important competition for the lower category with a 2-0 win after extra-time over Zebbug Rovers. The match was well contested where the two defensive departments for most of the time prevailed over the respective strikers. As a result, the actions on goal were few and the qualification remained in contention and the match had to be extended to extra time. However, the qualification for the Spurs was well deserved as they saw more of the ball and also managed to capitalise from two scoring opportunities during the extra time when Zebbug conceded more space at their defence. St Lawrence will now meet Qala Saints in the match form the semi-final stage.
Timeline:
St Lawrence came out in better shape and saw more of the ball throughout the first half.
5’ St Lawrence’s Karl Formosa had a low shot from an ideal position that ended wide.
17’ Zebbug’s goalie Baskal Saliba blocked to a corner a close-ranged attempt by Karl Formosa.
22’ The Spurs lost a good scoring opportunity when a shot by Matthias Michael Uzor arrived to an unmarked Charlon Tabone but the latter had his header that ended wide.
28’ Zebbug replied through an attempt directly from a free-kick by Francesco Cini that ended just over the crossbar.
40’ St Lawrence once again threatened Zebbug’s defence but a header by Matthias Michael Uzor from a good position ended high.
(HT 0-0)
For the second period, St Lawrence continued to enjoy more possession but the actions at goal were rare.
10’ St Lawrence’s Charlon Tabone had a strike from outside the area that ended just over the crossbar.
26’ Zebbug replied with a shot by Francesco Cini that ended wide.
30’ St Lawrence could have capitalised better when Zebbug’s keeper punched away a free-kick by substitute Karl Formosa but a header by Christopher Cauchi ended wide.
37’ St Lawrence’s Karl Formosa went again close to scoring but his attempt from a free-kick ended just high.
45’ Zebbug’s goalkeeper Baskal Saliba saved to a corner a shot from the right-hand side by substitute Charlton Mifsud.
(90mins. 0-0)
Extra-time
Play continued to be quite balanced with few scoring opportunities at goal.
12’ (1-0) St Lawrence opened the score when Karl Formosa delivered a cross inside Zebbug’s area from the left flank and defender Matthion Formosa headed badly in an attempt to clear the danger and committed an own goal.
(HT e/time 1-0)
Zebbug’s reaction was sterile.
3’ St Lawrence operated a counter break but Zebbug’s keeper Baskal Saliba went out of the area and cleared the ball before St Lawrence’s striker Matthias Michael Uzor could reach the ball and hit towards an open goal.
6’ Zebbug’s Tiago Barbosa received a ball inside St Lawrence’s area but the defence recovered in time and cleared the ball to a corner before the Brazilian striker could hit towards goal from a good position.
12’ St Lawrence could have sealed the qualification when Matthias Michael Uzor entered Zebbug’s area with a personal action but from his inviting low pass, Charlton Mifsud incredibly concluded wide wit an open goal at his mercy.
13’ (2-0) The Spurs managed to score the second goal when Karl Formosa operated a break on the right flank and from his low cross, Matthias Michael Uzor placed easily into an open goal.
15+1’ St Lawrence could have added another goal but a striking from outside the area by Karl Formosa ended just wide.
FT a.e.t. (2-0)
Referee: Joseph Scerri
0 Comments