Msida keen to exorcise demons of protest upset

Msida St Joseph will be adamant to exorcise the demons of their victory-cum-defeat to Pietà Hotspurs when these two clubs lock horns this evening at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 7 p.m.).

Pietà had conceded a 2-0 defeat to Msida in the corresponding first round fixture at the National Stadium but were later awarded the three points by virtue of their successful protest over the ineligibility of Gordian Ohaegbu.

The Malta FA Protests' Board upheld Pietà's claim that Ohaegbu was ineligible to take part in the said match as his name was not on the official teamsheet.

That case cast a shadow over Msida who went into freefall, going on a dismal run of eight matches without a victory.

Today, Joe Grech's team have the opportunity to avenge that disappointment but they face a Pietà team equally determined to gather the three points to bounce back from their 1-0 reverse to Marsaxlokk last Saturday at the Hibernians Ground.

Pietà's task of beating Msida looks anything but straightforward and not just because of their opponents' improving performances of late.

Their playing resources are undermined by injuries and suspensions. Ivan Woods was slapped with a two-match ban following his sending-off against Marsaxlokk while left-back Edward Azzopardi received a one-match suspension.

Italian defender Mauro Di Lello is doubtful after suffering a thigh injury during training. Chris Okoh is also struggling to shake off an achilles tendon problem.

Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, coach of Pietà Hotspurs, is bracing himself for a very difficult match this evening. "It's a delicate match," Farrugia told The Times.

"Msida St Joseph are dangerous opponents and we have a problem with injuries and suspensions at present. It's very important for us to recover from that upset against Marsaxlokk as a victory against Msida would all but secure our place in the top six.

"My team's character has always stood out in difficult situations and I'm confident that our mental strength combined with the desire to return to winning ways will help us to a positive result against Msida," Farrugia said.

Josef Mifsud is the only certain absentee from Msida's team that will face Pietà. The young central defender has to serve a one-match suspension after being red-carded in his side's 2-2 draw against Hamrun Spartans last Saturday.

Grech, the Msida coach, was not too impressed with his team's performance in their encounter against Hamrun but is hoping for a better showing today.

"I cannot say that I was thrilled by our display against Hamrun," Grech told The Times. "My hope is that the team plays well and picks the points against Pietà Hotspurs.

"I am sure that our winning performance in the first round encounter will prompt Pietà to treat us with more caution this time around," Grech added.

Meanwhile, Msida St Joseph will hold an extraordinary general meeting at their club on Sunday.

The meeting, commencing at 9.30 a.m., has been called to discuss proposed amendments to the club's statute.

Next Premier League matches

Tomorrow (National Stadium) 2 p.m. Sliema Wanderers vs Hibernians; 4 p.m. Birkirkara vs Floriana.

Sunday (Hibernians Ground): 1 p.m. Hamrun Spartans vs Balzan Youths; 3 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Valletta.