No goals were scored in the Division One game between St George’s and Lija at the Tedesco Stadium yesterday. Photo: Chris Sant FournierLija Athletic 0
St George’s 0
St George’s produced a spirited display but it was still not enough to take all three points as they had to settle for a draw against Lija Athletic.
The result did little to alleviate St George’s relegation problems as they remain second from bottom, eight points adrift of safety.
Lija came close to an early breakthrough as, after two minutes, Beppe Antignolo’s cross-shot was deflected by Mendy on to the bar.
St George’s response produced a Kenneth Abela shot that finished just over.
On 15 minutes, St George’s goalkeeper Sean Cini did well to keep out Garcia Vidal’s shot.
Scoring chances remained few and far between as the first half progressed with Lija creating the best opportunity just before the interval but Garcia Vidal’s fierce drive was pushed away by the alert Cini.
The St George’s goalkeeper distinguished himself again on the restart when tipping over Predrag Babic’s shot, from a free-kick.
The Saints finally threatened on 53 minutes.
Lucky Omeruo freed Ren Mizugashira who sped into the area but was denied by the onrushing Luke Bonnici.
The woodwork again denied Lija on 63 minutes when Michael Grima’s strike came off the bar.
St George’s took the initiative in the final stages and 11 minutes from time, Omeruo’s cross dropped to Abela who fired wide from close in.
The Cottonera side almost won it on 86 minutes.
Amid a goalmouth scramble inside the Lija box, Lydon Vella’s shot was cleared off the line by Antoine Borg.
Lija Athletic: L. Bonnici, C. Giordemaina, P. Babic, L. Muscat, P. Borg, A. Borg, A. Caruana, M. Grima (R. Taliana), B. Antignolo (K. Cutajar), J. Garcia Vidal (E. Beu), A. Ige.
St George’s: S. Cini, M. Brincat, K. Abela (L. Vella), R. Mizugashira, L. Grech, L. Omeruo, C. Conti (G. Gesualdi), S. Aquilina, A. Mendy (W. Ifeanyi), M. Mamo, H. Vella.
Referee: Philip Farrugia.
Man of the match: Lucky Omeruo (St George’s).