Spiteri strikes as Reds oust Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk 0
Ħamrun Spartans 1
Spiteri 40

Marsaxlokk and Ħamrun Spartans, two clubs that experienced an unusual but extraordinary role reversal in the opening weeks of the season, lifted the curtains on the four-match weekend programme from the second round of the FA Trophy yesterday.

A berth in the quarter-finals was at stake for these two teams who were also keen to prove a point.

Marsaxlokk were looking to reassert their Premier League-side reputation while the Spartans were eager to show that they have come a long way since replacing their opponents in the top flight following the Southerners' demotion to Division One at the start of the season.

Expectations of a balanced match materialised as there was little between these two sides but the Spartans had the last laugh thanks to Gaetan Spiteri's first-half goal.

Ħamrun had the better chances in the opening half but Marsaxlokk were the more enterprising side after the change of ends. They dominated large swathes of possession but lacked the cutting edge to unlock their well-drilled opponents who held on to their lead to join 'seeded' big guns Hibs, Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Birkirkara in the last eight.

Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi named a strong line-up that featured three foreign players, including Rumen Galabov, the Blues' latest signing, Martin Deanov and a host of players who represented Malta at international level, namely William Camenzuli, Peter Pullicino and Roderick Bajada.

Aaron Attard was on the Reds' original teamsheet but the flank defender pulled up during the warm-up after picking up an injury. The defender's last-minute withdrawal forced coach Steve D'Amato into a mini-reshuffle as young midfielder Lee James Agius filled the void left by Attard and Manolito Micallef was switched to right-back.

Marcelo Pereira, yesterday gunning against his former team, was restored to the Spartans' attack after serving a suspension.

The early exchanges were marked by a shortage of scoring chances.

Ħamrun's attacking efforts were restricted to two speculative shots by Ian Zammit, yesterday deployed on the right wing, while Dylan Kokavessis, Marsaxlokk's attacking spearhead, twice got on the end of inviting passes but his finishing left much to be desired.

Close to the 25th minute mark, Pullicino dispossessed Micallef just outside the Ħamrun penalty area but skewed his shot over. Minutes later, Camenzuli hit a thunderbolt from the distance but the ball sailed over the bar.

Three minutes past the half-hour, Mawete spurned a glaring opportunity. Clyde Camoin's free-kick was met by Spiteri at the far post but the latter's close-range header came off the upright. With the Marsaxlokk defence in disarray, the ball fell to Mawete but he incredibly blasted over.

But Spiteri softened the disappointment of Mawete's miss when he fired the Spartans ahead five minutes from half-time.

Pereira was the provider with a perfect cross from the left towards the unmarked Spiteri whose initial header was blocked but from the rebound, the Spartans captain stroked the ball home.

In first-half stoppage time, Marsaxlokk midfielder Florent Raimy produced a dangerous shot from the right wing but Ivan Casha, the Spartans goalkeeper, saved.

Marsaxlokk upped their game at the start of the second half.

Pullicino's long-range chip ended high before the veteran made way for Leighton Grech nine minutes into the second half.

Curmi was soon forced to make his second substitution as Kokavessis was stretchered off after suffering an injury following a bold, but clean, challenge from Roderick Fenech. His place was taken by Trevor Templeman.

For all their possession, Marsaxlokk looked short of firepower in attack as the Spartans, with Rupert Mangion shielding the defence, stayed compact and strove to hit their opponents with fast breakaways.

With 16 minutes remaining, Galabov set off on a surging run from midfield that took him to the edge of Ħamrun's box. He changed passes with Deanov who returned the compliment by floating the ball into the goalmouth where Galabov got a touch before setting up Raimy whose angled drive came off Fenech.

Marsaxlokk shouted 'penalty' when Malcolm Licari went down after being challenged by Fenech but referee Marco Borg saw nothing wrong.

The marauding Galabov was at the centre of Marsaxlokk's attacking endeavours but the Blues could not break down the solid Spartans.

Four minutes from time, Deanov's free-kick was cleared away by Fenech but only as far as Camenzuli whose half-volley flew over.

Marsaxlokk: G. Zammit, M. Deanov, P. Pullicino ('54 L. Grech), M. Licari, W. Camenzuli, C. Brincat, R. Galabov, R. Bajada ('76 D. Carabott), D. Kokavessis ('60 T. Templeman), E. Yanchev, F. Raimy.

Ħamrun Spartans: I. Casha, R. Fenech, M. Micallef, R. Mangion, L.J. Agius ('84 M. Barbara), M. Pereira, G. Spiteri, M. Hrubsa, J. Mawete ('82 M. Mifsud), C. Camoin, I. Zammit.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Yellow cards: Brincat; Spiteri; Licari; Mifsud; Grech.