Delia’s brace lifts Żejtun

Żejtun Corinthians 2
St Andrew’s 0

A brace by Albanian striker Gers Delia helped Żejtun Corinthians past St Andrew’s and lifted them to joint-second along with Birżebbuga St Peter’s.

After a balanced first half, Żejtun came out strongly after the interval to net the all-important goals while the Saints will rue a missed second-half penalty that could have helped them level the match.

Żejtun started strongly and Delia almost put them ahead when he lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Daniel Balzan but Jonathan Bugeja was well placed to clear off the line.

St Andrew’s threatened on the half hour when a Valdo Goncalves drive was saved by Farrugia.

Żejtun were unlucky on 63 minutes when Kalin Ganchev hit the post from just inside the area.

The Corinthians forged ahead in the 70th minute when Kenneth Abela’s dummy released Delia who fired the ball home.

Two minutes later the Saints should have drawn level. Abela handled the ball in his own area and a penalty was awarded but Farrugia denied St Andrew’s with a diving save on Goncalves.

Żejtun sealed the points on z84 minutes when the unmarked Delia beat Balzan following some good work from Ganchev.

Żejtun: R. Farrugia, K. Vassallo, J. Cachia, C. Magro, E. Azzopardi, R. Cauchi (V. Camilleri), J. Abela, N. Filipov, K. Ganchev (C. Formosa), G. Delia, K Abela (L. Micallef).

St Andrew’s: D. Balzan; N. Chetcuti, A. Camilleri Kamsky (J. Briscoe White), J. Bugeja, B. Said, A. Nakuaa, F. Alkanua, W. Camilleri (N. Vella Petroni), M. Calleja (M. Ellul), V. Goncalves, M. Grima.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Man of the match: Gers Delia (Żejtun Corinthians).