St George’s 0
Pietà Hotspurs 2
Pietà Hotspurs scored two goals in the first half to see off St George’s and stay on the heels of leaders Żebbuġ Rangers in their quest of winning promotion to the Premier League.
Two goals scored by man of the match Jeremiah Ani, following two well-executed free-kicks, did the job, with St George’s finding the going tough after having a man sent off in the first half and also failing to convert a second-half penalty.
It was a fully deserved victory for the Hotspurs in a game they dictated for long stretches.
The Hotspurs seized control immediately and surged ahead after five minutes.
They were awarded a free-kick and Ani’s drive flew into the net via the upright.
Pietà continued to attack and came close to add a second goal when Raphael Kooh Sohna burst through the St George’s defence but was denied by onrushing goalkeeper Ryan Marmara who blocked his effort.
Just past the half-hour mark, Pietà were awarded another free-kick. As Ani was about to shoot, St George’s Jerry Anyanwu move out of the wall in an attempt to block. The referee stopped played and showed a second yellow card to the Saints player who was subsequently dismissed.
When play restarted, Ani hit another fierce drive that gave no chance to Marmara.
The second half failed to produce any entertaining fare with the Hotspurs easily controlling proceedings.
They almost added a third on 71 minutes but Ricardo Costa’s shot finished just wide.
St George’s could have pulled a goal back on 77 minutes when they were awarded a penalty but Mendy Abdul Razak saw his shot pushed away by Hotspurs goalkeeper David Cassar.
St George’s: R. Marmara; E. Sevasta, A. Bonello (L. Mallia), E. Amaira (C. Grech), M. Tabone, R. Vella, M. Abdul Razak, K. Tanti, J. Bernardo Mariano (J. Gerada), A. Ellul, J. Anyanwu.
Pietà H.: D. Cassar; C. Attard, C. Grech, O. Anonam, A. Spiteri, Q. Refalo (M.Borg), J. Zarate, J. Ani, R. Costa, K.Cesare (T. Agius), R. Kooh Sohna (C. Cassar).
Referee: Sandro Spiteri.
Man of the match: Jeremiah Ani (Pietà Hotspurs).