QORMI-0, SLIEMA WANDERERS-4
Sliema Wanderers gave their survival chances a massive boost this evening as they opened their Relegation Pool commitments with an emphatic 4-0 win over Qormi at the Hibs Stadium.
The Blues fully deserved their win as they outshone the below-par Qormi in all departments. Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza scored a brace for Sliema who increased their total to 14 points, eight above bottom side Vittoriosa Stars.
The opening exchanges were littered by a string of robust challenges but Sliema Wanderers had a more compact look about them.
Their better start was rewarded midway into the first half when Steve Bezzina passed to Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who sped into the box and fired past Matthew Camilleri.
With Qormi encounter difficulties to make an impact in attack, Sliema remained the better side. The Blues doubled their lead a minute past the half-hour, Mifsud Triganza scoring his second with a perfect drive after being released by Roderick Bajada.
Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi brought on George Mallia and Kang Ho Jung for Cleaven Frendo and Christos Karamanolis at the start of the second half.
Sliema remained the better side though. Mifsud Triganza had two shots blocked by Jason Vandelannoite, although the Sliema striker claimed that the Belgian defender had blocked his second effort with his hands. Referee Lautier saw nothing wrong.
Barbara’s cross from the left was headed home by Mifsud Triganza five minutes into the second half but the latter was in an offside position.
Joseph Farrugia’s free-kick for Qormi was saved by Szentpeteri who distinguished himself when tipping away Mallia’s header from Keith Fenech’s cross.
Qormi were now playing better but they couldn’t find a way past the Sliema defence. Szentpeteri blocked an effort from Abubakar Bello-Osagie and Vandelannoite hit just wide form inside the area.
Qormi’s fightback was cut short when Sliema tripled their lead thanks to captain Mark Scerri who flicked Barbara’s cross-shot into the net.
The Wanderers added to Qormi’s woes when, with five minutes remaining, substitute Obinna Obiefule guided a shot past Camilleri from an angled position to seal his team’s win.