Dramatic winner for Vittoriosa

St George's 2
Vittoriosa Stars 3

A dramatic late winner, scored from a penalty, put Vittoriosa Stars through to the semi-finals of the Division One KO competition.

St George's were twice in front but ended up on the losing side after a hard-fought derby.

Vittoriosa did the early running and after five minutes a Keith Darmanin free-kick just missed the target. St George's responded three minutes later when a Mead Mifsud drive from just outside the box was saved in style by Ivan Cassar.

On 16 minutes, Michael Woods's side forged ahead. Peter Anizoba powered his way into the penalty area before hitting home to put the Saints 1-0 up.

Vittoriosa responded with some fast flowing football and Leighton Grech was unlucky on the half hour when, following a scramble inside the St George's box, he saw his shot bounce off a defender in the last minute.

But Massimo Cremona's side managed to equalise when on 31 minutes Darmanin headed in a Larry Lagana corner from the right.

Seven minutes after the break, St George's regained the lead when Christian Grech's drive from the distance left Cassar stranded on his line.

The Saints' joy was short-lived though as Vittoriosa levelled matters on 63 minutes thanks to Anthony Eviparker. He nodded in from close range following an inviting Darmanin cross.

A few minutes later, St George's almost regained the lead but Anizoba's attempt at goal, following a Christian Grech cross, was stopped by the upright.

Extra-time was looming large when Vittoriosa were awarded a penalty after a Robert Adami header was punched off the line by Mifsud.

The referee dismissed the Saints midfielder and ordered a penalty. From the spot, the experienced Ivan Zammit made no mistake to the delight of the Vittoriosa clan.

St George's: A. Gatt, C. Grech, A. Bonello, K. Xuereb, K. Formosa, M. Mifsud, C. Caruana (E. Amaira), G. Barry (V. Camilleri), L. Agius, H. Schembri, P. Anizoba.

Vittoriosa: I. Cassar, S. Portelli, C. Sciberras, A. Eviparker, K. Darmanin, R. Adami, L. Grech, L. Lagana, S. Calleja, D. Gauci (I. Zammit), J. Spiteri (J. Camilleri).

Referee: Joe Attard.

Man of the match: Keith Darmanin (Vittoriosa Stars).

Remaining quarter-final

Tomorrow (Centenary Stadium) 6.30 p.m. - Marsa vs Dingli.