Victoria Hotspurs reach final

Victoria Hotspurs 1
Qala St Joseph 0

Victoria Hotspurs extended their excellent run in this season's GFA Cup competition as they disposed of the challenge of Division One club Qala St Joseph to reach the final.

By producing another solid performance, the Hotspurs demonstrated why they are still unbeaten in all competitions so far this season.

Qala were a disappointing lot on Sunday. After falling behind, Qala not only failed to make a reaction, they risked suffering a second goal rather than scoring one themselves.

Qala enjoyed their best patch of play in the early stages. They went close with an effort by Kenneth Mercieca which was well saved by goalkeeper Mark Grima.

On 22 minutes, a free-kick by Alex Ribic hit the woodwork.

The Hotspurs scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 29th minute through a header by Ryan Grech following a cross by Fabiano Bassi.

Qala's response was confused and efforts by Mercieca and Dennis Abela missed the target while Grima blocked an attempt by Ribic.

After the break, Victoria were the better side while the Saints looked demoralised. The Hotspurs could have sealed the issue through efforts by Bassi and Anthony Briffa. Sixteen minutes from time, Bassi had a free-kick coming off the crossbar.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Quarter-final replay

SK Victoria W. 4
Sannat Lions 2

Two late goals led second division side SK Victoria Wanderers to a surprising but deserved 4-2 victory over Division One leaders Sannat Lions.

The Wanderers qualified to the semi-finals of the GFA Cup where they will face Ghajnsielem.

The Lions had opened the score in the 14th minute thanks to a long-range effort from Paul Spiteri but three minutes later, Ige Adesina levelled for the Wanderers.

Sannat quickly regained the initiative, going close to scoring on a number of occasions, especially through Sabri Rais.

Ricardo Saverino put the Lions in front in the 62nd minute but the Citizens were not discouraged. Their determination paid off as three minutes after Saverino's goal, defender David Udo Monday headed home Victoria's equaliser.

It was now Victoria's turn to put their opponents under pressure. The Wanderers turned the result in their favour in the 78th minute with a goal by Chris Sciortino. The same player secured their passage to the semi-finals with a header that surprised Sannat goalkeeper Paul Galea in stoppage time.

Referee: Gordon Barbara.