Last-gasp goal adds more woes to Corinthians

St Andrews 1
Żejtun Corinthians 0

This game seemed destined to end in a stalemate until substitute Nicky Vella Petroni pounced on a 90th-minute defensive error, rounded Żejtun defender Nikolai Filipov before finishing confidently to inflict a third consecutive upset on the beleaguered Corin-thians.

The match was dull with both teams looking short of inspiration on a hot afternoon at the Tedesco Stadium.

St Andrews created the better opportunities but a weak attempt by Brazilian striker Valdo Alhinho was all they had to show in the early stages.

Żejtun’s no.1 Ranier Farrugia escaped punishment on 40 minutes when Alhinho scampered free but was fouled by the onrushing goalkeeper just outside the box. Farrugia was booked when it could have easily been a red card.

After the break, the scoring chances continued to be few and far in between.

Despite the continuous running of both teams, the spectators had to wait until the hour mark to witness the first opportunity. The Saints were awarded a free-kick in a central position and Andrew Amato’s shot flew just wide of goal.

Żejtun finally caught sight of St Andrew’s goal on 67 minutes but Kenneth Abela’s long-range shot was easily dealt with by Daniel Balzan.

Ten minutes later, Andrew Camilleri Kamsky’s effort was superbly blocked by Farrugia. The ball rolled into the path of Vella Petroni who was guilty of a terrible miss when he headed out in front of an open goal.

But the nippy substitute soon made up for that disappointment when in added time he pounced on a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Farrugia and Filipov, won the challenge with the Żejtun defenders before placing the ball home to hand the Saints victory.

St Andrews: D. Balzan, R. Previ, B. Diacono, J. Bugeja, B. Said, A. Camilleri Kamsky, W. Camilleri (M. Hyzler), A. Elnnakoa, A. Amato, V. Alhinho, M. Grima (N. Vella Petroni).

Żejtun: R. Farrugia, A. Farrugia (G. Delia), C. Magro (K. Ganchev), E. Azzopardi (C. Formosa), J. Galea, K. Vassallo, J. Abela, N. Filipov, M. Borg, K. Abela, S. Magro.

Referee: Glenn Tonna.

Best player: Valdo Alhinho (St Andrews).