Marsaxlokk revel in title celebrations

St George's 0
Marsaxlokk 5

'Back to where we belong' read the slogan on the t-shirts worn by the Marsaxlokk supporters who turned out in great numbers at Corradino to celebrate the southseasiders' quick return to the Premier League, yesterday.

The message was intended to demonstrate that their long road to redemption is now over.

Marsaxlokk, demoted from the Premier League following a match-fixing scandal last year, had made sure of promotion with three games to spare. They managed to hold on to many of their top stars and coach who played a key role in the club's success.

Marsaxlokk were effectively declared champions last month but four goals, two in each half by captain Malcolm Licari and a second-half strike by Florent Raimy helped them to celebrate their title in style with an emphatic win over St George's.

Whether by design or default, Joey Falzon's side allowed Marsaxlokk to have plenty of the ball, but initially the Division One champions were unable to break down the Saints as the latter packed numbers behind the ball.

Marsaxlokk poured forward from the start and won a succession of corners. After 16 minutes, Gary Caruana's goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Daniel Galea.

Licari was determined to unpick St George's packed ranks on his own and on 19 minutes he left the defence in his wake after a mazy run into the box, only to see his curling shot saved by Thomas Galea.

It seemed just a matter of time until Marsaxlokk made the breakthrough, and their opening duly arrived on 36 minutes.

Galea palmed Raimy's fierce drive into the path of Licari who placed a precise diving header behind the goalkeeper and into the net.

The striker quickly added his second goal when he calmly allowed himself time before exquisitely lobbing the on-rushing Galea from the edge of the box.

There was little variation from the first-half theme with Curmi's side continuing to press forward and St George's defending in numbers.

If St George's had any plans to mount a second-half revival, they were swept away as the southseasiders ran riot after the break in brilliant fashion.

Raimy made it 3-0, when he swept in Caruana's inviting cross, and the French midfielder was instrumental as Marsaxlokk extended their lead, allowing Licari to complete his treble. However, there was controversy over the position of the Marsaxlokk striker when he followed up the ball to hit inside the net on the hour mark.

There was no stopping Marsaxlokk, however, and Trevor Templeman's superb cross from the left was brilliantly turned in by Licari at the far post, for his 14th league goal of the season, leaving the championship champagne waiting to be uncorked.

Marsaxlokk's title party started in earnest at the final whistle, when Licari proudly held the trophy aloft after receiving the silverware from Malta FA vice president Carmelo Bartolo.

St George's: T. Galea ('81 D. Aquilina), E. Amaira ('59 M. Xerri), B. Fenech, G. Mallia, D. Galea, S. Sciberras ('76 C. Bugeja), J. Bugeja, J. Dalli, N. Caruana, C. Ciappara, A. Ewurun.

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, T. Templeman, W. Camenzuli, C. Brincat, E. Yanchev ('59 P. Pullicino), F. Raimy, G. Sciberras ('66 D. Camilleri), R. Galabov, G. Caruana ('74 D. Sciberras), M. Licari, M. Deanov.

Referee: Marco Borg.

Man of the match: Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk).