Sliema, Qormi share six goals

SLIEMA WANDERERS-3, QORMI-3

Sliema Wanderers and Qormi shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw this afternoon.

The final outcome was fair as the two sides traded attacks and six goals in an open encounter that as much as it underlined the attacking potential of Sliema and Qormi, it also reflected their defensive failings.

The draw extended Qormi's positive run to three matches while Sliema have now gone five matches without a win.

The first chance fell to Sliema. Jorge powered clear on the right before pulling the ball back for fellow Brazilian Jackson Lima who curled his shot just wide of the far post.

Another fine Jorge run unsettled Qormi as the Brazilian, this time running on the left wing, released Jackson Lima who hit just wide.

It was Qormi who took the lead on 12 minutes. They were awarded a penalty after Sliema defender Rumen Galabov was adjudged to have hit the ball with his hands as he tangled with Qormi's Jorginho for possession.

Joseph Farrugia made no mistake from the spot to fire Qormi ahead.

Sliema felt that the penalty award was harsh as Galabov's handball was accidental but in next to no time, the Blues were facing another penalty claim. Galabov, again, was at the centre of attention as he blocked Jorginho's drive from inside the box but referee Alan Mario Sant pointed to the corner flag.

In their attack, Sliema drew level. Once again, Jorge was at the heart of things as he passed to Bulgarian Danial Mitev whose well-struck drive stunned Matthew Farrugia in the Qormi goalkeeper.

Qormi might have restored their lead when Matthew Bartolo's dipping pass into the box fell to Abubakar Bello-Osagie but the Nigerian blasted over.

At the other end, Jorge continued to pose problems to Qormi. On 33 minutes, Jorge made a good run on the left before teeing up Jackson Lima whose low strike came off the far post.

Qormi replied immediately. Bello-Osagie stormed into the box after going past a host of players but his effort was pushed away for a corner by Anthony Curmi, the Sliema goalkeeper.

On the stroke of half-time, Nwoke, latching on to a pass from Jorginho, had the better of Galabov but the Nigerian terribly miscued his effort.

Qormi regained their lead four minutes into the second half. Farrugia's dipping free-kick from a wide position on the left came off the crossbar but the ball fell to Nwoke who tapped home.

Qormi's celebrations did not last long as, 12 minutes into the second half, Sliema equalised thanks to Jackson Lima who beat Farrugia with a firm drive from outside the box.

The Blues took the lead for the first time on 63 minutes. Mitev's corner from the right flew towards the near post and Galabov rose above Farrugia to head home.

Jorge then hit a post from another Mitev corner but midway into the second half, Qormi were back on the level terms. Farrugia was prominent again with a trademark curling free-kick that had the better of Curmi.

With nine minutes remaining, Qormi wasted a great chance to go in front, Nwoke hitting wide from close in after Bartolo's corner had been deflected into his path.

Qormi captain Farrugia was voted BOV player of the match.