Żurrieq 2
St Andrew’s 2

St Andrew’s lost ground on the league frontrunners after they were held by an improved Żurrieq side yesterday.

The Saints looked on their way to victory after they came back from a goal down to lead with only a few minutes left.

But Żurrieq striker Glenn Bonello had other plans as he struck a late equaliser to earn his team a merited point.

St Andrew’s remained fifth in the standings, six points adrift of leaders Pietà while Żurrieq moved four points clear of the drop zone.

The match was off to a scrappy start with Żurrieq gradually taking control of proceedings and on 19 minutes Matthew Schembri’s firm drive was pushed to a corner by St Andrew’s goalkeeper Sam Bartolo.

The Reds continued to hold the initiative and on the half hour Gary Inguanez’s volley flashed wide.

St Andrew’s scored in their first real opportunity.

Trayo Grozev was brought down in the area by Joris Garnier and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Garnier was dismissed and from the resultant spot-kick Grozev drilled the ball past Jeremy Alden.

On 43 minutes, Grozev turned past his marker but fired wide.

In time added on, Żurrieq were also awarded a penalty when Clyde Cumbo blocked Glenn Bonello’s cross with his arm.

From the spot Bonello made it 1-1.

St Andrew’s tried to make the most from their numerical advantage and on the hour they managed to take the lead when Emiliano Lattes hit home following a fine pass from the excellent Grozev.

Grozev almost made it 3-1 on 69 minutes but fired wide while a minute later Joseph Farrugia’s fierce drive flew just over.

Numerical parity was restored 15 minutes from time when Nicky Vella Petroni was shown a straight red card for retaliation.

Żurrieq came close to an equaliser when eight minutes from time Osi Ogboebina hit the side-netting.

A minute into injury time Bonello stunned the Saints when following a quick counter attack he fired home from just inside the area.

Żurrieq: J. Alden, J. Garnier, S. Giglio, K. Magro, T. D’Amato, D. Darmanin, G. Inguanez (O.L. Ogboebina), Z. Vukovic, M. Schembri, G. Bonello, D. Zammit (M. Cocks).

St Andrew’s: S. Bartolo, C. Cumbo, B. Said, D. Gera, E. Lattes, J. Farrugia, A. Amato, J. Parry (W. Camilleri), J. Falzon (L. Busuttil), N. Vella Petroni, T. Grozev.

Referee: Kevin Azzopardi.

Man of the match: Glenn Bonello (Żurrieq).