St Andrew’s claim first win

St Andrew’s 2
Dingli Swallows 0

Newly-promoted side St Andrew’s overcame the dismissal of defender Ron Hartvig to score twice in the final 10 minutes as they beat Dingli Swallows 2-0. This was the Saints’ first win of the season.

In a dull first half, both teams seemed content to sit back with the result that scoring chances were few and far between.

The Saints enjoyed more possession as Dingli tried to operate on the counter-attack. But, Dingli’s Joreilly Chirino and Chris Azzopardi were kept quiet by the St Andrew’s defence in which Neil Chetcuti excelled.

St Andrew’s midfield lacked spark as they sorely felt the absence of Michael Valenzia but on the positive side, Nicky Vella Petroni played a very good match.

An hour passed before either side created a chance worthy of a note. Kurt Coleiro’s drive for St Andrew’s was saved by Dingli goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia.

Dingli responded with a Charlon Sammut free-kick that was saved by Deren Ibrahim, the Saints’ custodian. On 66 minutes, St Andrew’s substitute Michael Calleja mishit the ball in front of goal although he may have been held back by a defender.

The game descended into a rough affair as the second half moved on. With 13 minutes left, Hartvig was sent off after his hard tackle on Chirino earned him a second yellow card.

Despite their numerical handicap, it was the Saints who forged ahead when Vella Petroni’s free-kick found Jonathan Briscoe White who headed towards substitute Matteo Desira Buttigieg and the latter stroked the ball home.

Dingli failed to react. Jack Pallen, another substitute for St Andrew’s, fired a free-kick over the crossbar but Wayne Attard’s team sealed their win with a second goal in stoppage time.

Vella Petroni started a fast counter-attack as he ran forward before serving Pallen who hammered the ball home from 11 metres.

St Andrew’s: D. Ibrahim, N. Chetcuti, J. Bugeja, R. Hartvig, J. Briscoe White, A. Amato, W. Camilleri, N. Vella Petroni, F. Akanua (J. Pallen), K. Coleiro (M. Desira Buttigieg), E. Grima (M. Calleja).

Dingli: J. Farrugia, C. Sammut (C. Ciappara), R. Sammut, S. Tellus, R. Spiteri, R. Vella (J. Sapiano), K. Formosa, E. Farrugia, R. Briffa, C. Azzopardi (C. Caruana), J. Chirino.

Referee: Andre Arciola.

Man of the match: Nicky Vella Petroni (St Andrew’s).