Qormi go top

Qormi 3
Naxxar Lions 0

Qormi shot to the top of the Division One standings yesterday after beating Naxxar Lions 3-0.

Martin Gregory's team dominated from start to finish with their midfield making all the difference as the likes of Joseph Chetcuti, Jane Talcevski and Joseph Farrugia never stopped running.

Another plus on Qormi's side is striker Michael Borg Olivier, a strong and dangerous player to mark when coming off the bench.

Naxxar created the first opening after ten minutes when from a Justin Zammit cross, Aaron Galea headed wide at the far post.

But Qormi's early pressure soon paid off as with an inch-perfect pass Thomas Paris released Chetcuti who scored from close range.

Naxxar could have equalised in the 35th minute. The Qormi rearguard stopped for offside but Gilbert Camilleri was through only to be thwarted by the quick-thinking Matthew Farrugia in goal.

Qormi were seeing more of the ball but the Lions missed another golden opportunity just before half-time, Zammit mis-hitting his effort when all alone in the opponents' box.

The second half saw Qormi on top of their game, bombarding Naxxar in their own half. On 53 minutes the Yellows were unlucky when from a Kurt Zammit cross, Carmel Formosa's header rattled the bar.

Five minutes later, Talcevski released Chetcuti who, after seeing his first shot stopped by Bjorn Attard, rammed home the rebound to put Qormi 2-0 in front.

Naxxar had a Zammit shot saved by Farrugia and, at the other end, a Chetcuti volley, following some neat Qormi passes, finished in the side-netting. On 66 minutes Formosa just missed the target from the edge of the area.

Qormi made it 3-0 ten minutes from time when substitute Borg Olivier's overhead kick from 12 metres out beat the Lions custodian.

Naxxar's Fabien Debono should have scored a consolation goal for Paul Sixsmith's side late on but Farrugia was again on the spot to save his side from an awkward situation.

Qormi: M. Farrugia, J. Saliba, D. Zuccaro, A. Formosa, J. Talcevski, K. Zammit (M. Tabone), E. Azzopardi, J. Chetcuti, J. Farrugia, T. Paris (G. Buhagiar), C. Formosa (M. Borg Olivier).

Naxxar: B. Attard, K. Fenech (J.P. Zahra), J. Brincat, M. Spiteri Gonzi, R. Schembri, J. Zammit, K. Grech, A. Galea (F. Debono), T. Fenech (K. Bartolo), G. Magri, G. Camilleri.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Man of the match: Joseph Chetcuti (Qormi).

Vittoriosa Stars 3
Mosta 1

This tense encounter, between two teams in desperate need of points, went Vittoriosa's way. The victory was the first one of the season for the newly-promoted side.

The three points also steered Vittoriosa out of troubled waters for several weeks, leaving Mosta and San Gwann behind them in the standings.

Uchanna Anywanna's superb goal in the second half would have normally made him firm favourite for the man of the match accolade. However, one other player who caught the eye was Vittoriosa team-mate Sandro Calleja.

Vittoriosa made the early running and after only three minutes Ivan Zammit had a free-kick saved by Joshua Galea. The Reds forged ahead in the ninth minute when Ryan Mifsud handled the ball on the line to stop a Calleja header.

The referee awarded Vittoriosa the penalty and red-carded Mifsud. Zammit sent Vittoriosa on their way from the spot.

Mosta were stunned and it was Vittoriosa who came close again. Speedster Anywanna's shot was stopped by Galea and from the loose ball the Nigerian blasted wide.

Mosta had their first shot at goal on 35 minutes when Bryan Agius hit a 30-metre drive which sailed just over the bar. In first-half added time the Blues were dropped a lifeline.

Robert Adami fouled Carlos Camenzuli in the box and the referee awarded another penalty and dismissed the Vittoriosa player for a second bookable offence. Young Steve Borg scored from the penalty to level matters.

Substitute Hughes played a neat one-two with Anywanna soon after the break but Galea was well-placed to neutralise the shot. However, from the corner, the clearance fell to Anywanna who rifled home a 25-metre scorcher into the roof of the net, giving Galea no chance.

Twelve minutes from time, the Stars made the game safe.

Lucienne Scerri's shot hit the woodwork and Anywanna's effort was stopped by Anthony Muscat's hand. Another penalty was given. Again, Zammit took the kick to make it 3-1. Mosta were now dead and buried.

Deep into stoppage time Scerri was floored in the Mosta box but this time the referee opted for play to continue.

Vittoriosa: P. Psaila, S. Calleja, R. Adami, D. Burke, I. Zammit, S. Privitelli, T. Thomas (L. Scerri), M. Ciantar (H. Hughes), U. Anywanna, D. Gatt (E. Amaira), C. Sciberras.

Mosta: J. Galea, M. Abela, B. Agius (I. Bilocca), M. Borg (L. Cilia), S. Borg, P. Camilleri, C. Camenzuli, M. Farrugia, A. Muscat, R. Mifsud, O. Rufai (C. Pace).

Referee: Alan Mario Sant.

Man of the Match: Sandro Calleja (Vittoriosa).