Vittoriosa Stars 1
Dingli Swallows 3
Dingli Swallows ended their season on a fine note yesterday after beating Vittoriosa Stars in the KO final at the Hibs Ground.
Veteran Mark Galea and strike partner Christopher Ciappara delivered the goods for Jesmond Zammit's side who were playing without regulars Jeremy Agius and Victor Fiteni. On their part, Vittoriosa started with the same team that eliminated Tarxien Rainbows in the semi-final.
Galea deputised for Agius while Edwin Casha replaced Fiteni. During the game Dingli also lost Uchanna Anywanna to injury.
Dingli played more as a team with goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia also showing his mettle whenever called upon. In fact, Farrugia confirmed that he is one of the best goalkeepers in Division One.
It was Vittoriosa who took the kick-off but they immediately lost possession to Ciappara who did well to serve Galea. The latter left the Vittoriosa rearguard stranded before cooly despatching the ball low into the back of the net for a shock lead.
Vittoriosa tried to hit back immediately and on 16 minutes Anthony Eviparker chested the ball down perfectly but his drive was saved well by Farrugia.
The game was producing some exciting moments and on 27 minutes, the Dingli keeper kept out a Keith Darmanin header that looked destined to hit the back of the net.
Galea's lob then hit the woodwork and from the rebound Anywanna incredibly mishit the ball when it had looked easier to score than to miss.
On resumption Roderick Spiteri had a free-kick stopped by Cassar and at the other end, a Darmanin free-kick was neutralised by the alert Farrugia. On 64 minutes Dingli made the game safe. Ciappara slotted the ball home following a swift counter-attack initiated by himself and Etienne Farrugia.
Dingli now grew in stature and looked more comfortable on the ball.
It was no surprise that they scored a third goal when goalkeeper Farrugia cleared from just outside his area, the ball fell invitingly to Galea who reacted quickly to beat Cassar in the Vittoriosa goal.
A minute into injury time Vittoriosa scored a consolation goal when Robert Adami fired a missile into the net from outside the area.
Malta FA vice president Ludovigo Micallef presented the trophy to Dingli captain Edwin Casha.
Vittoriosa Stars
I. Cassar, S. Privitelli (R. Adami), J. Camilleri (C. Cachia), C. Sciberras, I. Zammit, A. Eviparker, K. Darmanin, L. Lagana, S. Calleja, D. Gauci, J. Spiteri (L. Grech).
Dingli Swallows
J. Farrugia, F. Cauchi, R. Spiteri, C. Ciappara (J. Sapiano), K. Formosa, E. Casha, C. Muscat, M. Galea (B. Galea), J. Cachia, E. Farrugia, U. Anywanna (C. Tabone).
Referee: Clayton Pisani.
Man of the match: Mark Galea (Dingli).