MARSAXLOKK-1, QORMI-0
Marsaxlokk put an end to their long winless run this evening as the Blues produced a bold performance to stun Qormi 1-0 at the Tedesco Stadium this evening.
Young midfielder Gary Caruana struck the decisive goal early in the second half to bolster Marsaxlokk's erstwhile slender chances of avoiding a drop.
Scoring chances were rare in a dull first half. Qormi created the better opportunities but two weak attempts by Brazilian forward Jorginho were saved by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Christian Cassar.
Captain Joseph Farrugia was wide with a dipping effort as Marsaxlokk had to wait until the final minutes of the first half to record their first attempt.
Jean Paul Farrugia teed up Peter Taiye Oladotun whose well-hit drive sailed just over the bar.
Qormi should have taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Farrugia's free-kick from the right flew towards the unmarked Vincent Kouadio but the latter's header was blocked by Cassar.
Five minutes into the second half, Marsaxlokk went close to opening the scoring. Nemanja Stoskovic's free-kick flew into the goalmouth and Alex Cesar Pedrozo headed goalwards but his attempt brought a fine save from Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia.
At the other end, Cassar blocked a tricky cross-shot from Farrugia but, on the hour, Marsaxlokk took the lead. Pedrozo ran forward on the left before pulling the ball back for Gary Caruana whose perfectly-struck shot from the distance gave Farrugia no chance.
Qormi should have made it 1-1 when Jorginho jinked his way through on the left before hitting a pass into the box but Joseph Farrugia and Joseph Chetcuti collided as the two ran into the box.
Stephen Azzopardi's team pushed forward in numbers in the final stages but their chaotic efforts were repelled by Marsaxlokk with Patrick Borg standing out in defence.
In stoppage time, Farrugia's free-kick came off Marsaxlokk's human barrier as the Blues held out to gain their first victory in four months.
Marsaxlokk captain Caruana was voted BOV player of the match.