Pembroke 0
Pietà Hotspurs 1
Francis 120;
(after extra-time)
Claudio Francis scored a dramatic winner 30 seconds from the end of extra-time to send Pietà Hotspurs through to the fourth round.
It was a game of few chances.
Pietà struggled to break down a stubborn Pembroke side as the Hotspurs failed to capitalise on the few scoring chances that came their way, showing poor precision in front of goal.
Hotspurs coach Noel Coleiro effected just two changes from the team that lost to Mosta 3-1 in the Premier League last weekend.
Cain Attard came on for Kyle Cesare while second-choice goalkeeper Miguel Montfort was preferred to David Cassar between the posts.
Scoring chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes as the Hotspurs found themselves stifled by a well-organised Pembroke defence.
The best scoring opportunity for the Hotspurs fell onto the feet of Rafael Xavier Zacarias whose well-struck effort was saved by Andrea Cassar after 21 minutes.
Pembroke hit back immediately and on 33 minutes Azzopardi’s inswinging free-kick was saved by Montfort.
The second half was less attractive than the first, with Pembroke, perhaps, emerging as the better side.
Jacques Scerri’s team were enjoying the better share of possession and started to push forward with more intent.
On the hour mark, a good move by Pembroke saw Ariel Laudisi crossing the ball invitingly inside the Pietà box but Demba Toure headed wide from an inviting position.
Coleiro made a change soon after with Xavier replaced by Malcolm Licari and the Hotspurs substitute almost made an instant impact.
The former Rabat striker exchanged passes with Jurgen Pisani before sweeping a rising shot that finished on the side-netting.
The Hotspurs picked up the pace again and ten minutes from time, Licari produced a strong run on the right flank before unleashing a cross-cum-shot which was blocked by Cassar as the match went into extra-time.
Pembroke defended diligently during overtime and looked to have done enough to force a penalty shoot-out.
However, on 120 minutes the Hotspurs grabbed the winner.
Terence Agius sent an inviting cross towards Francis and the nippy striker sped into the box before firing a firm drive into the net to break Pembroke’s hearts.
Pembroke: A. Cassar, C. Mamo, O. Sidibe, G. Azzopardi, D. Toure (96 M. Alade), A. Azzopardi, D. Sammut (77 S. Arab), A. Laudisi, G. Spiteri, L. Micallef (63 A. Agius), R. Bajada.
Pietà Hotspurs: M. Montfort, C. Attard, L. Fortunato, C. Grech, J. Pisani, T. Agius, R. Rodrigues-6, R. Xavier Zacarias (62 M. Licari), C. Francis, N. Tasic (78 K. Cesare), L. Micallef (105 D. Agius).
Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.
Yellow cards: Rodrigues, Tasic, Arab.