ST ANDREW’S 2 (Beltre 51, Nwoko 86)
SENGLEA ATHLETIC 1 (Dalli 19 pen)
Having looked down and out for most of the season, St, Andrews completed a stunning Houdini act yesterday as they came from behind to beat Senglea in the relegation-promotion play-off to retain their premier league status.
In keeping with the complicated nature of their season, St Andrews made it difficult for themselves as Ryan Dalli’s first half penalty gave the Division One side a shock lead. The Violet outfit breached the Southseasiders’ resistance after the break but then saw Joseph Farrugia’s penalty stopped by the post.
With extra-time looming substitute Victor Oseghale created a moment of magic to serve Kyrian Nwoko to seal the mission four minutes from time.
It was Senglea who found themselves 1-0 up after 19 minutes. James Obaje, their liveliest player up front served Miguel Ciantar, who was brought down in the box by Michael Johnson. Ryan Dalli dispatched a low shot behind Jake Galea.
St. Andrews tried to stage a reaction after falling behind but they seemed too reliant on Farrugia’s services to unsettle the Senglea defence, who had Keith Tanti flanking Doffo at centre back.
Six minutes into the second half, the Saints levelled the scores. Farrugia’s corner from the right wreaked havoc in the Senglea box as Bong Won Che diverted the ball in the direction of Penà Beltre to stab the ball home from close-by.
Their best scoring opportunity fell to Farrugia five minutes later when the Premier league side were awarded a penalty after Doffo was deemed to have handled the ball in the box but the Saints skipper hit the foot of the post from the spot kick.
Ten minutes from time, Senglea fluffed a golden chance to move ahead. Substitute Juan Artiago served Ryan Dalli but his miscued shot sailed over the bar.
They paid dearly for this miss as four minutes from time, Victor Oseghale, brought in for Francis Onwudinjo, picked up the ball from Dale Camilleri, before he sliced open with a slick ball to send Kyrian Nwoko through and the striker hit the ball behind the onrushing Jeffrey Farrugia.