Gżira United 2
St George’s 1
Gżira United reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy after emerging winners from a direct clash between two Division One teams at the Tedesco Stadium, yesterday.
Although there is still a long way to go, the Maroons maintained their dream of adding to their only major honour, the FA Trophy which they won in 1973.
Gżira dominated the first half but St George’s were an improved lot after the break. However, their efforts were still not enough for them to score a second equaliser.
The Maroons were the ones who went close first after only six minutes when Bjorn Bondin’s drive from well outside the area was saved by Thomas Galea.
Ivan Zammit’s men continued to attack and moments later missed a sitter through Moises Avila Perez. He blasted wide from an inviting position after being put through by Yanis Tonna who dashed strongly past three opponents before releasing his team-mate.
Gżira got the goal they deserved on 26 minutes when Avila Perez found Pape Gueye unmarked and he beat the St George’s keeper with a powerful grounder.
The Saints were finding it difficult to find a way through and Gżira again went close when Avila Perez hit over the crossbar from just outside the penalty area.
Just before the break, the Spanish striker again tried his luck, this time with a header following a Christian Cassar free-kick. However, his effort never reached the desired target.
On resumption, St George’s started showing better ideas and drew level on 56 minutes when Anthony Bonello rose high to head home a Vilson Causchi free-kick.
However, their joy was short-lived as a minute later Avila Perez made it 2-1 with a shot from the distance after perfect service from Gueye.
Gueye almost scored again on 66 minutes after slipping past his direct marker but his ensuing shot was saved by goalkeeper Galea.
St George’s hit back with an Abdul Mendy Razak free-kick and a shot by Matthew Tabone that flew past the upright.
The Saints maintained their attacking stance but they only had another Tabone attempt at goal to show for their efforts. His header fell well off range as Gżira preserved their narrow lead to make more inroads in the cup competition.
Gżira: F. Tabone, R. Deguara (S. Vella), R. Forace, J. Pace, C. Cassar, B. Bondin, Y. Tonna, M. Avila Perez, P. Gueye, S. Meilak, M. Kotyza (S. Shead).
St George’s: T. Galea, E. Sevasta (M. Abdul Razak), A. Bonello (L. Mallia), C. Grech, O. Giordano (J. Gerada), M. Tabone, K. Tanti, V. Causchi, J. Farrugia, J. Emeka, J.B. Mariano.
Referee: Matthew Degabriele.