Wanderers obtain third win with second half goals

21 September 2022

GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (MD 3) Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Wanderers obtain third win with second half goals

SK Victoria Wanderers ; 3

Zebbug Rovers FC ; 1

55′ (1-0) Samuel Harland

59’ (2-0) Owen Fenech

67’ (2-1) Daniel Mesa Pineros

76’ (red card) Daniel Mesa Pineros (ZR)

90+5’ (3-1) Owen Fenech

SK Victoria W:

O. Xuereb, J.G. Vella, N. Camilleri, A.J. Obaje, E. Zammit, S. Harland, N. Grech (A. Refalo), S.F. Bajada, K. Grima, O. Fenech, N. Vella.

Zebbug R:

B. Saliba, P. Spiteri (O. Mercieca), I. Buttigieg (N.J. Cini), C. Gauci, R. Saliba, L. Atzori, D. Mesa Pineros, E. Gauci, C. Cauchi, M. Grech (M. Formosa), O. Atzori (M. Camilleri Psaila).

SK Victoria Wanderers obtained a 3-1 win over Zebbug Rovers in the third match for each side from the GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup.  With this result the Citizens moved closer to become mathematically sure of earning a place in the final of the competition before the last matches of the first phase.

Zebbug were motivated for this match as they needed a win to re-open their chances to obtain at least the second place on the table at the end of the round robin.  The Rovers managed to remain in contention for most of the encounter but compromised the possibility to register a positive result when they had to play the last part of the match with a player less.  Victoria’s win matured with two goals scored before the hour mark so that they managed to control Zebbug’s reaction and sealed the win with a third goal scored during stoppage time.

Timeline:

Play during the first period was well contested as the two sides tried to prevail over the opponent.  However, the strikers of both Victoria and Zebbug were erratic and failed to capitalise from their best scoring opportunities so that the score remained blocked until half time.

HT (0-0)

Second Half

The Wanderers came out more determined for the second period and opened a two goal lead which they managed to administer until the end of the encounter.

10’ (1-0) Victoria took the lead with a goal that arrived through Sam Harland.

14’ (2-0) The Wanderers doubled the score through a shot by Owen Fenech that surprised Zebbug’s keeper.

22’ (2-1) Zebbug reduced the deficit with a goal scored by Daniel Mesa Pineros.

31’ (red card) The Rovers ended with ten players when Daniel Mesa Pineros was sent off for violent conduct on his direct opponent.

45+5’ (3-1) Victoria made sure of the win by scoring the third goal that arrived through Owen Fenech.

.FT (SKVW 3 – ZR 1)

Referee: Jason Portelli