Vittoriosa Stars go top

Vittoriosa Stars 1
San Ġwann 0

Vittoriosa Stars went on top of the Division One standings following a hard-fought victory over San Ġwann.

The goal that settled the issue came mid-way through the first half through former Qormi midfielder Joseph Chetcuti.

At the end of the first round, Vittoriosa are now two points clear of Marsaxlokk, while San Ġwann remained bottom of the standings with only six points.

Both teams played an open match with Vittoriosa enjoying most of the possession during the first half with San Ġwann coming more into the picture after the break.

Vittoriosa could have taken the lead on 18 minutes when Chetcuti was through on goal but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Justin Spiteri.

Vittoriosa forged ahead soon after when Chetcuti nipped in to head home a Pierre Aquilina cross.

But as time went by Joseph Brincat's side started to gain the initiative and on 38 minutes Leeroy Bonnett dribbled past two defenders but his shot was pushed away by Henry Bonello.

San Ġwann kept the initiative after the break and Bonnett saw his long-range shot blocked by the Vittoriosa goalkeeper.

Vittoriosa had to defend en masse as San Gwann contined to venture forward and in the 53rd minute Sergio Hili was denied by Bonello.

San Ġwann came close again on 66 minutes when a Firas Aboulezz free-kick just missed the target.

Vittoriosa were now operating on the counter attack and on 70 minutes Clayton Micallef should have sealed the points but shot straight at Spiteri.

Eight minutes from time, Micallef hit the post from 30 metres as Vittoriosa were sharper on the counter-attacks.

A minute later Micallef again was thwarted by San Ġwann keeper Spiteri when his shot from an acute angle was punched away for a corner.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, P. Aquilina, J. Xerri, J. Camilleri, Jef. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, E. Vella (M. Borg Olivier), J. Spiteri, H. Makinwa (B. Bonnici), Jos.Chetcuti.

San Ġwann: J. Spiteri; M. Cremona, R. Sammut, L. Cumbo, M. Francica, A. Borg, S. Pisani, F. Aboulezz, L. Bonett, S. Hili, R. Sell.

Referee: Gordon Barbara.

Man of the match: Clayton Micallef (Vittoriosa Stars).