St George’S 1
Msida St Joseph 2

Msida started their Division One trek on the right footing after beating St George’s 2-1.

Young Brazilian Yuri de Jesus Messias, one of the many signings for Msida St Joseph this summer, was twice on the mark to put his team in the driving seat and seal an unlikely victory against St George’s in the opening match of the new Division One season, at the Luxol Stadium, last night.

Msida were made to soak up the pressure for most of the match as St George’s dominated possession. They created a series of goal-scoring opportunities as Msida were penned inside their own half, particularly in the opening half.

After nine minutes a Brandon Muscat volley from outside the Msida box finished wide and three minutes later Emerson Amaira did the same from a good position.

On 16 minutes, Patrick Curmi’s side were thwarted by Msida goalkeeper Kurt Rizzo as he tipped over the bar a Daniel Zerafa effort from just outside the area. Veteran David Camilleri delivered an inviting ball from the corner but Amaira failed to hit home at the far post.

St George’s went close again midway through the half when Gabriel Okechukwu had his effort saved by Rizzo following a Larson Mallia cross. Then, Gianluca Vella headed away to safety a Camilleri inswinger that looked destined to reach the Msida net.

Curmi had to withdraw Zerafa on 35 minutes after suffering a knock.

St George’s held command though and four minutes later the player who replaced Zerafa, Henrique Alves Viana, made a strong run on the right and after beating a couple of Msida men he released Gabriel Okechukwu who tapped home.

On resumption, although not as dominant, St George’s were still the better side and Mallia was unlucky not to double his team’s lead but his shot hit the upright.

Msida ventured forward and on 64 minutes Messias made it one-all after firing an unstoppable shot into the top left corner of the net.

St George’s were stunned and six minutes from time more woes laid in store for them.

Marcelo Perreira Da Costa was sent tumbling inside the box and Messias kept his cool to drive his penalty past the keeper.

St George’s: T. Galea, D. Camilleri, B. Muscat, E. Sevasta, M. Borg, E. Amaira (O. Giordano), R. Tanti, G. Okechukwu, M. Tanti, L. Mallia, D. Zerafa (H. Alves Viana).

Msida SJ: K. Rizzo, S. Schembri (L. Cassar), S. Vella, R. Forace, G. Vella, K. Borg, D. Attard, Y. Messias, R. Silva Faria (M. Ferreira Da Costa), L. Micallef (I. Chircop), D. Pereira.

Referee: Sandro Spiteri.

Man of the match: Yuri de Jesus Messias (Msida St Joseph).