St Patrick surprise Qormi in 1-0 win

Qormi 0
St Patrick 1

With only a few games remaining, the Division One table has now taken shape. Tarxien Rainbows spurned their chances of playing a part in the run-in for promotion yesterday and the same happened to Qormi who lost to St Patrick.

Although anything can still happen in such a strange championship, few would argue against the fact that Mqabba and Hamrun Spartans are in pole position of making it to Premier League football next season.

Qormi were the side that held most of the possession but in terms of goal-scoring opportunities the Saints were by far the better team.

A case in point is that they hit the post three times during the match. The game was mostly concentrated in midfield with Sandro Costa Brazilino proving what a classy player he is.

The Brazilian not only took hold of midfield but also helped his team-mates in defence when under pressure. Costa Brazilino scored the only goal of the match.

Qormi were the first team to threaten. On 13 minutes Anatole Debono ran well inside the Saints' area but his volley was blocked by a well-timed Costa Brazilino tackle.

Martin Gregory's Qormi continued to dictate matters but were never dangerous.

In fact, it was St Patrick who could have easily forged ahead with Kenneth Abela. He rattled the crossbar after a fine solo move.

The Saints were unlucky again when just before the break Gordon Failla's free-kick smacked against the upright.

After only seven minutes of the second half, Karl Micallef was unlucky not to have scored when he hit a Qormi post following a defensive blunder.

Qormi responded in the 53rd minute when a Jane Talcevski drive from outside the area was saved by goalkeeper David Cassar. But, a minute later St Patrick scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Abela opened up the Qormi rearguard after a mazy run on the wing before squaring the ball to Costa Brazilino who tapped home.

Qormi almost drew level 19 minutes from time when from an Edward Azzopardi cross Johann Zammit headed goalwards but with the ball destined the reach the net, the St Patrick keeper made a superb save to deny Qormi.

On 85 minutes, a Failla drive was a whisker away from target and Qormi's woes were compounded two minutes from time when Daniel Zuccaro was sent off for dissent.

Qormi: M. Farrugia, A. Saliba, J. Saliba, D. Zuccaro, A. Formosa, J. Talcevski, E. Azzopardi, M. Borg Olivier, J. Farrugia, A. Debono (K. Zammit), T. Paris (J. Zammit).

St Patrick: D. Cassar, S. Dimech, R. Cassar, M. Zerafa, K. Micallef (M. Xerri), G. Failla, S. Costa Brazilino, S. Magro (M. Pullicino), V. Camilleri (E. Saliba), C. Micallef, K. Abela.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Man of the match: Sandro Costa Brazilino (St Patrick).