Vittoriosa stop Saints' winning start

Vittoriosa Stars 1
St Patrick 1

St Patrick lost their 100 per cent record in Division One this season after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Vittoriosa Stars yesterday.

Following two wins from their opening two games, the team from Żabbar could not move past a solid Vittoriosa outfit who have now drawn their first three matches with an identical 1-1 scoreline.

The Saints saw more of the ball but were too slopply when applying the final touch, spurning several scoring opportunities in the process.

Vittoriosa had Anthony Eviparker in fine form but they sorely felt the absence of Ndubisi Chukunyere and Larry Lagana.

It was St Patrick who created the first chance after 15 minutes when Thomas Caruana's free-kick was well saved by goalkeeper Juergen Micallef. On 24 minutes, Beppe Muscat's long pass found Peter Anizoba who evaded his marker before driving the ball wide with only Micallef to beat.

The Saints paid dearly for this miss as a minute later, Vittoriosa forged ahead. Robert Adami's cross completely deceived David Cassar with the ball sailing into the top-left corner of the net.

Vittoriosa's opener disrupted St Patrick's rhythm but despite playing the better football, the Stars failed to build on to their lead.

The second half progressed on the same lines as the first with the Saints playing slightly better. But, it was Vittoriosa who could have doubled their lead on the hour but Adami's header was magnificently saved by the Saints custodian.

St Patrick equalised on 65 minutes when Anizoba controlled the ball well 15 metres out and beat Micallef with a rasping drive.

Buoyed by this goal, the Saints went all out in search of a winner but it was all in vain as the Vittoriosa rearguard was rock solid and denied their opponents a third straight win.

Vittoriosa Stars
J. Micallef, R. Adami, S. Calleja, K. Darmanin (L. Scerri), J. Camilleri, S. Privitelli, K. Abela, J. Spiteri, A. Eviparker, P. Aquilina, C. Cachia.

St Patrick
D. Cassar, M. Pullicino, R. Briffa, M. Fleri Soler, C. Grech (D. Gatt), G. Inguanez, T. Caruana, C. Micallef (I. Scicluna), P. Anizoba, B. Bonnici, B. Muscat.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Scorers: Adami (V) 25; Anizoba (SP) 65.

Man of the match: Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa Stars).