Melita 1
St George’s 2

St George’s completed a double over Melita to move just three points behind third-placed Fgura as the race for the play-off spot hots up in Division One.

The Cottonera side scored two goals in the space of four second half minutes to turn defeat into victory and damage Melita’s promotion hopes.

It was St George’s who threatened first and this came in the 16th minute when an Emerson Amaira fierce drive finished just wide.

Melita’s response produced an opener on 25 minutes when Canadian striker Alexander Eby tapped the ball home from close range following a Borg Olivier cross.

St George’s hit back strongly, delivering some excellent crosses but goalkeeper Philip Schranz commanded his area with authority.

On the half hour, Bruno Chikwado was first to a Mark Tanti corner but his shot on the turn was well blocked by Schranz.

A minute later George Gribbon nearly committed an own goal when trying to clear a Tanti cross but the Melita custodian was well positioned to save.

A minute into the second half the Saints came close when Daniel Zerafa sprinted into the area and his cross-shot was parried away by Schranz.

On 72 minutes, Valenzia’s short backpass towards Gribbon was too short and in came Chikwado who drilled the ball home.

Four minutes later Chikwado struck again when he dribbled past an opponent to beat Schranz with a firm drive.

Melita tried to force a reaction but St George’s did well to administer their lead till the end.

Melita: P. Schranz, N. Micallef, G. Gribbon, I. Tufegdzic, L. Bianco (T. Terpougoff), M. Fenech (R. Alinho), J.P. Attard, F. Mennini Righini, N. Rizzo, A. Borg Olivier, A. Eby (M. Valenzia).

St George’s: C. Carbonaro, R. Brignoli, Larson Mallia (J.A. Spiteri), E. Amaira, A. Bonello, B. Chikwado, O. Giordano (D. Nzembani Biaka), N. Ojuola, D. Zerafa, M. Tanti, R. Tanti.

Referee: Matthew Degabriele.

Man of the match: Bruno Mbono Chikwado (St George’s).

Standings