Hotspurs' late goal sinks leaders

Victoria Hotspurs 1
Martin 83
Sannat Lions 0

Sannat Lions suffered their second defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Victoria Hotspurs in their final second round match. The Lions sorely felt the absence of Sabri Rais and John Camilleri, due to suspension.

The Hotspurs, now third, had more energy left in their reserve tanks and went on to secure the points at stake with a decisive goal, scored seven minutes from time by Hanus Martin.

Thanks to this success, the Hotspurs halted a negative run of five winless matches and revived their title challenge.

Sannat's best opportunities came during the first period but efforts by Fernando de Andrade and Mark Formosa were saved by Victoria keeper Mark Grima.

But, the Citizens showed better qualities after the break with Czech Martin, John Paul Grima and Fabiano Bassi leading their attacking charge. On 83 minutes, the Hotspurs scored the decisive goal thanks to a fine header by Martin.

Sannat were shocked and the Reds could have sealed the issue in stoppage time but Noel Borg shot incredibly wide in front of an open goal after being put through by Martin.

Victoria Hotspurs
M. Grima, J.P. Grima (M. Cordina), A. Tramboo, N. Borg, D. Farrugia, R. Grech (M. Buttigieg), J. Portelli, M. Vella, J. Mizzi, F. Bassi, H. Martin.

Sannat Lions
P. Galea, A. Debono, J. Agius, M. Azzopardi, M. Muscat, B. Njoku, M. Formosa, S. Brazilino, E. Bugeja, F. Debono (N. Micallef), F. De Andrade.

Referee: Esther Azzopardi.