Micallef late goal puts Melita second

Żejtun Corinthians 0
Melita 1

A goal scored by Luke Micallef three minutes from time gave Melita an important victory over Żejtun Corinthians, a win that puts Martin Gregory’s side in second place, at least for 24 hours.

Yesterday’s victory could have a huge bearing at the end of the season on who wins promotion to the Premier League.

Pietà’s first defeat on Friday, practically blew the championship wide open and both sides together with the Hotspurs and Rabat look capable of fighting it right to the end for promotion.

Żejtun had their first attempt with a Ganchev free-kick slightly missing the target, and at the other end Melita went close with a Carnago San Pedro shot that missed the bar by a whisker.

Libyan Elzaredi tried his luck from the edge of the area but his weak drive was easily blocked by Matthew Sapiano.

Melita had a golden opportunity on 23 minutes when Kane Micallef came face to face with Ranier Farrugia but the Żejtun custodian blocked his effort in style.

On the half hour, Elzaredi burst clear on the right before crossing towards Kenneth Abela whose close-range drive was blocked by lanky defender George Gribbon.

Just before the break, Żejtun had a good chance when Abela’s header was easily saved by Sapiano.

The second half was played at a very fast pace with both sides not afraid of attacking each other. However both defences were strong and chances were few and far between.

On the hour Sapiano charged out of goal to block Gers Delia.

Ten minutes later Abela’s dipper slightly missed the target, and on 72 minutes Melita were unlucky when a Cornago San Pedro shot slammed against the bar.

Six minutes later Żejtun had their best chance when Delia played the ball to Abela who all alone in front of goal had his effort blocked by the Melita custodian.

Five minutes from time, Melita scored what proved to be the winner. Micallef grabbed the ball on the edge of the area, rounded a Żejtun defender and fired at the back of the net.

Żejtun: R. Farrugia, E. Azzopardi, A. Farrugia, J. Cachia, C. Magro, V. Camilleri (L. Micallef), J. Abela, K. Ganchev, W. Elzaredi, K. Abela, G. Delia.

Melita: M. Sapiano, M. Sierra Camacho, G. Gribbon, M. Martin, M. Borg, K. Micallef, T. Terpougoff (L. Sammut), J. Galea, E. Cornago San Pedro (S. Galea), L. Micallef, M. Attard.

Referee: Paul Caruana.

Man of the match: Luke Micallef (Melita).

Standings