Sliema Wanderers coach Alfonso Greco was pleased with his team’s reaction in their come-from-behind 3-1 win over Żebbuġ Rangers in Wednesday’s FA Trophy third round at the Centenary Stadium.
Mauricio Britto’s opener will have brought back memories of last season’s embarrassing exit at the hands of Żebbuġ, then in Division Two, but the Blues rallied.
Goals from Trevor Cilia, Matias Muchardi and John Mintoff allayed Sliema’s nerves and sealed their passage to the last 16.
“After we conceded an early goal, the team reacted well,” Greco said.
“I’m satisfied with the way the players responded. Overall, it was a good performance despite the absence of some key players.”
Last season, Żebbuġ pulled off the biggest shock of the competition after ousting the Wanderers on penalties in the third round.
As fate would have it, the two teams were drawn against each other again, thus giving Sliema an opportunity to make amends.
Although last season’s shock elimination caused humiliation for Sliema, Greco prefers to look at it as a blessing in disguise.
“That experience helped in the sense that it reminded us of the importance of approaching all games with the right spirit and attitude,” the Italian, in his second season at the helm of the Sliema, said.
“Besides, the FA Trophy is an important competition and we want to advance as far as possible.”
Wednesday’s win was Sliema’s third in a row in all competitions after the Blues went down 3-2 to Mosta earlier this month.
“I’m generally satisfied even though some aspects of our per-formances of late were somewhat disappointing,” Greco said.
“But this is a difficult period for us because of injuries. Against Qormi (Sliema won 3-1) we had a few regular starters missing.”
Last week, Sliema increased their defensive options with the signing of Alessandro Rapino, formerly of Viterbese.
Having made his debut in Sunday’s league game against Qormi, Rapino came on as a late substitute in the victory over Żebbuġ.
Greco said: “We needed more cover in defence because we only had two central defenders, Stefano Bianciardi and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino. Now, Rapino gives us more options.”
Wednesday’s victory ensured that Sliema, who finished the cup tie with 10 men following the dismissal of Paltemio Barbetti, head into their difficult clash with Birkirkara tomor-row in high spirits.
“Victories foster enthusiasm,” Greco said.
“On Saturday (tomorrow) we are facing one of the strongest squads in the league. It’s going to be a tough match. This is not the best time for us to play Birkirkara as we are not in our best condition but nevertheless we will try to do our best.”
Fourth round pairings
St Andrew’s vs Birkirkara; Kerċem vs Rabat; Hibernians vs Pietà; Gżira vs St George’s; Floriana vs Naxxar; Qormi vs Tarxien; Sliema vs Balzan; Valletta vs Mosta.
Matches to be played on Jan.18-22.