Pietá, Dingli reach semis

Group One duo Pietá Hotspurs and Dingli Swallows are safely through to the semi-finals of the Maltco Lotteries Division One KO following Pietá's 3-1 victory over Vittoriosa Stars yesterday.

Pietá secured the three points and qualification to the last four thanks to goals from substitutes Carl Pulo and Terrence Vella, the latter scoring twice.

Kevin Cassar, for the Hotspurs, came close after only five minutes as the Stars hit back with a Kenneth Abela header from an Anthony Eviparker cross which just missed the target.

Johann Spiteri was denied by the Vittoriosa post with a glancing header following a Cassar service.

Nasty fouls almost marred this match but referee Chris Lautier kept a firm control on the proceedings.

The second half saw the Hotspurs pile up the pressure on their opponents.

Pietá took the lead on 56 minutes with a stunning goal by Pulo who had been on the field for only six minutes after replacing Simon Shead. Pulo weaved his way past three opponents before hitting home from an acute angle.

On 66 minutes, it was 2-0. This time Vella, who had just replaced Quelin Refalo, headed home a Martin Deanov centre.

Eviparker was unlucky not to pull one back when his shot came off the Hotspurs' upright. On 68 minutes Vittoriosa had Charles Cachia sent off for a second bookable offence.

Abela did reduce the arrears for Vittoriosa when he headed home a Keith Darmanin free-kick with 19 minutes left.

Pietá's Jesmond Delia became the second red-carded player on 75 minutes but five minutes later Alex Camilleri misjudged a cross in his box and Vella was on the right spot to score the 'killer' goal.

In the first game of the afternoon, controlled by referee Esther Farrugia, St Patrick kept alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals from Group Two by beating San Ġwann 4-1.

A Thomas Caruana hat-trick and a Peter Anizoba late goal sealed San Ġwann's demise. The latter are out of contention but the other four teams in the group are still in the running for a berth in the last four.

Group One: Pietá 8; Dingli 7; Mqabba 3; Rabat 2; Vittoriosa 1.

Group Two: Mosta 7; St Patrick 6; Senglea 4, St George's 4; San Ġwann 1.