Gżira United 1
SK Victoria W. 0

A spectacular strike from Yannis Tonna steered Gzira United into the fourth round of the FA Trophy after the Maroons beat SK Victoria Wanderers 1-0.

But it was far from a convincing display from the Division One side who, despite dominating for long stretches, could not stamp their authority with a second goal as their forwards lacked a cutting edge.

A low-key opening at the Centenary Stadium was illuminated by Tonna’s screamer after 11 minutes. Having retrieved possession some 35 metres out, Tonna unleashed a tremendous drive that flew past a hapless Franklyn Vella, the ball hitting the top corner of the net.

SK Victoria’s difficult start left them chasing the game. Guatemalan duo Edinson Estrada and Sergio Paz combined well after 25 minutes but Kyle Gerada showed stunning reflexes as he tipped the ball around the post from Paz’s effort.

Just before half-time, Gżira’s Ryan Deguara raced on to Tonna’s through-ball and swept past the onrushing Vella but his effort finished into the side-netting.

On 53 minutes, Tonna was at it again, unleashing another thumping drive but this time Vella was equal to the task.

Gżira were almost made to pay for their profligacy on 67 minutes when Paz broke on the counter, advanced on the right but steered his shot just wide.

Five minutes later, Simon Shead reached Tonna’s lofted pass but the former Taxien forward was blocked by David Monday.

Gżira coach Eric Schembri introduced Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong 13 minutes from time.

The Maroons should have killed the match on 87 minutes when Karl Saliba embarked on a solo run only for his shot to sail wide.

SK Victoria W.: F. Vella, E. Bugeja (K. Mercieca), D. Monday, J.P. Grima, S. Bajada, E. Chidi, O. Farrugia, A. Adesina, E. Estrada Sanchez, S. Paz, C. Sciortino.

Gżira United: K. Gerada, K. Saliba (J. Gatt), P. Grima, A. Xuereb, A. White, J. Hussey, Y. Tonna, D. Cachia, S. Shead, A. Shenowo, R. Deguara (A. Effiong).

Referee: Philip Farrugia.