Sirens 9
Sliema 13
(3-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-4)

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Sliema McDonalds kept their title hopes alive with a hard-earned win over an organised Sirens Hard Rock Cafe side at Tal-Qroqq yesterday.

Pierre Borg's Sirens gave a good account of themselves against a Sliema team who had John Soler back in form and captain Clint Debono in inspirational mood.

It was only in the last two sessions that Sliema managed to pull away, mainly through their spirited character and experience. Yesterday, they had to win at all costs to stay in contention and some fine goalkeeping by Josie Cachia also helped the side to preserve the lead.

Now, it all goes down to today week when Sliema play Neptunes, a match that could prolong the championship by a week to make way for a decider if the points go the Blues' way. Obviously, a win for Neptunes today against San Giljan, means the Reds would only need a point from the derby to become champions again.

This was surely a different Sirens compared to their last outing against Neptunes. In fact, in the first two sessions they were at a par with their opponents and although at one point Sliema managed to open a two-goal lead, Sirens hit back immediately to make the score 5-5 at the end of the second session.

It was Tamas Marcz who gave Sirens the lead from a penalty but Tamas Varga equalised from a man-up situation. Paul Fava put Sirens in the lead again and Soler, at last, managed to score following three matches without a goal... and what a goal it was.

He broke free from an opponent and found the net with a clever back-hand. However, Paul Privitera was sharp to score following a fast move and Sirens led 3-2 at that stage.

Sliema started the second session with a bang as ex-Sirens stalwart Jonathan Valletta hit home from long range and Varga made the score 4-3 for the Blues. Sliema were now looking a superior outfit and Varga made it 5-3.

But after missing some easy chances, Sirens scored two goals through Karl Montfort and Fava, the last when Debono was out.

Sliema were the better side in the third session and after Soler gave them the lead, Debono beat Grech with a perfect lob - 7-5.

Sirens were not giving up that easily though and goals from Karl Montfort and Charlie Zammit drew the teams level yet again.

Sliema, however, regained composure and restored a two-goal lead thanks to Debono and Soler.

Sliema were too hot for Sirens in the last session scoring four times through a Mark Meli brace, Varga and Debono. Montfort and Marcz replied for Sirens but by then Sliema were already home and dry.

Sliema: J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, N. Lubrano, M. Rizzo, M. Meli 2, J. Soler 3, T. Varga 3, J. Valletta 2, C. Debono 3, E. Aquilina, D. Paolella, A. Bianchi, R. Coleiro.

Sirens: A. Grech, P. Fava 2, T. Marcz 2, P. Privitera 1, J. Rizzo Naudi, R. Scerri, J. Borg, D. Cutajar, K. Montfort 3, C. Zammit 1, C. Mercieca, R. Attard, J. Sammut.

Refs: M. Dalli, D. Di Meo.

Division Two

Exiles 7
Marsascala 8
(2-2, 3-3, 1-2, 1-1)

A Darren Ciappara goal 16 seconds from the time gave Marsascala 7-Up the Division Two title in a close match which looked destined for a draw. Ciappara's goal not only gave Marsascala the title but also dashed Ta' Xbiex's hopes of becoming champions themselves.

Exiles were close to avoid defeat. With five seconds remaining, Frenchman Aurelien Cousin had a great opportunity to equalise but shot the ball high from an ideal position.

No team looked superior in this game where one goal separated both sides bar at the beginning when Exiles went 2-0 in front. But Marsascala levelled and balance prevailed for the rest of the match.

The last session saw both goalkeepers very much in the thick of the action. Cousin made the score 7-7 and then came Ciappara's winner.

After the match ASA president Robbie Ebejer presented the trophy to Marsascala captain Ian Bugeja.

Exiles: N. Imbroll, K. Rizzo Naudi 2, M. Zarb, D. Pace Lupi, T. Sullivan 1, G. Desira Buttigieg, J. Paris 1, J. Cremona, K. Grixti, A. Cousin 3, A. Arrigo, A. Borg Cole, M. Calleja.

Marsascala: I. Bugeja, J. Cutajar, S. Farrugia, A. Galea, M. Borg Spiteri 1, L. Griscti, J. Licari 2, M. Spiteri, S. Micallef, R. Cutajar, D. Cassar, F. Valenti 4, D. Ciappara 1.

Refs: A. De Raffaele, I. Sciriha.

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