Deanov hits winner

St. Patrick 0
Marsaxlokk 1

Martin Deanov's strike 16 minutes from time proved to be the winner for promotion-seekers Marsaxlokk as they were made to fight hard in a game where they dominated possession, yesterday.

St Patrick were too defensive-minded, at times. They could have snatched a point after throwing caution to the wind following Deanov's goal even though Marsaxlokk, now on full points after two matches, were unable to profit from the gaps left open as the Saints focused more in attack late on.

After only 10 minutes, Marsaxlokk went close to taking the lead but a Dylan Kokavessis shot was stopped by the woodwork. St Patrick hit back with a Gordon Failla shot from the distance that just fell off target.

But that was the Saints' only foray inside the opponents' box in the entire first half as Marsaxlokk started to dictate matters.

A William Camenzuli shot almost deceived Sean Mintoff, with the ball hitting the up-right before the keeper could remedy.

On 39 minutes a good Marsaxlokk move, between Kokavessis and Roderick Bajada, finished with the former shooting from an acute angle and Mintoff replying with a fine save.

Patrick Curmi's seasiders never gave up hope and continued to play with the same rhythm on the changeover, going close to scoring through Kokavessis. His effort was blocked by the Saints custodian.

A Bajada shot finished just over the crossbar but finally the Saints' fort collapsed when Deanov picked up a poor clearance, ran past his marker and fired past Mintoff.

Substitute Maksims Danilious almost made it 2-0 for Marsaxlokk but the Saints were now venturing more in attack and on 79 minutes Simon Zerafa was a whisker away from goal with a menacing shot.

At the other end, Matthew Fleri Soler cleared off the line a Malcolm Licari header.

The Saints then had two chances to equalise in the space of a minute and on both occasions Marsaxlokk keeper Rueben Debono came to his side's rescue.

On 84 minutes he stopped a Zerafa shot from close in and then he was on the right spot to deny Luke Sciberras.

St Patrick: S. Mintoff, M. Fleri Soler, R. Mifsud, S. Zerafa, L. Sciberras, M. Pullicino, T. Farrugia, Y. Tonna (B. Bugeja), A. Ellul (J. Farrugia), D. Milovanovic, G. Failla (R. Cassar).

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, C. Mamo, M. Deanov, P. Pullicino, W. Camenzuli (M. Licari), C. Brincat, R. Bajada (G. Caruana), D. Kokavessis (M. Danilious), E. Yantchev, F. Raimy, T. Templeman.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Man of the match: Martin Deanov (Marsaxlokk).

Playing today
Tedesco Stadium: 19.00 St George's vs San Ġwann.