SLIEMA WANDERERS 0 QORMI 0

A frustrated Sliema drew a blank as Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa devised a cautious plan aimed at nullifying Sliema’s attacking weaponry.

Sliema held the initiative for long stretches but their approach was devoid of flair and creativity, two key attributes when facing spirited opponents who showed excellent composure, tactical discipline and above all, resolute defending to repel everything the Wanderers threw at them.

The Wanderers, largely through the industry of Kerlon and better collective play, kept the upper hand.

On the stroke of halftime, a quick exchange between Ledesma and Pedrinho, had the latter unleashing a fierce first-time that saw Vella going down to block the effort.

On the other side, a measured pass to Alex Nilsson brought a whiff of excitement from the Qormi fans before Clifford Gatt Baldacchino’s timely tackle averted danger for Sliema.

After the interval, Qormi attacked straight from the kick-off and Nilsson unsettled with a dazzling run down the middle channel before he let off a shot which was intercepted by Glenn Zammit, the Sliema goalkeeper.

With Qormi content to shut up shop, Stephan Azzopardi’s men turned to hopeful shots from distance. In fact, in the 55th minute, a long-range drive from Bezzina, which finished just wide, signalled a spell of sustained pressure from Sliema.

This was a cue for Azzopardi to add new fresh legs upfront with Jake Friggieri replacing Kerlon.

A mistake from their goalkeeper Vella threatened to undo Qormi's newly found confidence as the the custodian dropped a swerving but weak shot from Friggeri . Luckily for them, he recovered in time to block the ball.

Nilsson should have scored after 70 minutes when he weaved his way into the Sliema box only to see his scrambled shot finish wide at the far post.

With Qormi tiring towards the end, Sliema carved out a good opportunity at death as Mifsud set up Pedrinho but the Brazilian could not find the net.