NAXXAR LIONS 1 PEMBROKE ATHLETA 1

Pembroke seemed to have done enough to mathematically escape relegation but were reached at death by their opponents and now need a point to reach their target.

Following a goalless first half, in which the two sides created some decent scoring chances, the match came to life after the interval to the delight of the sparse crowd present at the National Stadium.

It was Pembroke who shaded the early exchanges. Past the half hour mark, Paltemio Barbetti’s curler from free-kick was tipped over the bar by Alberto Gallinetta.

There was another inviting chance for Pembroke before half-time, when Gustavo Villalobos released Ariel Laudisi who charged forward into the box before hitting the ball high and wide. 

After a quiet opening period, Naxxar had good opportunity to put their noses in front after the break as Edu Vallecillo’s excellent through-ball fell invitingly to David Fenech but his effort was pushed over the crossbar by Mario Muscat.

After 53 minutes, Daren Falzon’s inswinger flew past a sea of players but was headed off the line by Manolito Micallef.

Laudisi broke Naxxar’s rising dominance as he sped past Ennio Hamuntenya but Gallinetta thwarted the nippy striker when pawing away his effort. On the hour mark, Gallinetta blocked Kyle O’Brien header as Pembroke suddenly found an extra gear.

Pembroke, endured a blow after 78 minutes when Barbetti was expelled after a foul on Vallecillo close to Pembroke’s D when he hit the opponents as he was about to kick a free-kick.   

This dismissal inflamed the Pembroke player who was adamant that he had hit the Spaniard accidentally.

Despite being a man down, Pembroke tried to summon a reaction and Cini’s delivery soared into the box where Villalobos directed a header over the startled Gallinetta.

Pembroke’s lead was short-lived though as Muscat could only partially save Falzon’s scorching shot from free-kick as Hamutenya flashed in on the right flank and nipped the ball in.

Winston Muscat’s side could have won the points late in the match but substitute Obinna Obiefule drilled a low shot goalwards but Naxxar defender Andrew Scicluna blocked his effort.