PIETA’ HOTSPURS 1
Chimezie 85
GŻIRA UNITED 1
Jorginho 90
Leaders Gżira United could not overcome the challenge of Pieta Hotspurs challenge as the latter held the Maroons 1-1 in a nerve-wrecking contest at the Tedesco Stadium, on Saturday.
Right from the start, it was clear that Pieta' Hotspurs were not going to defend deep and wait to catch their opponents on the break, as they held their defensive line very high and they also came close to draw first blood in the early stages of the game but Neil Pace Cock’s effort sailed over the bar.
Gżira United replied with a long-range shot by Zach Scerri in the 11th minute but goalkeeper Nicky Vella was alert to avert the danger.
However, the Hotspurs threatened again, this time from Paul Chimezie, who after receiving a through ball from Gabriel Mensah, darted into the box but could not slot the ball past the oncoming Anthony Curmi.
On the brink of half-time, Garba connected with a corner-kick but his header went inches wide.
Within 15 minutes of the restart, Gżira came close through the usual Samb but in front of goal, he shot straight into Vella’s hands.
Darren Abdilla’s clan were growing in confidence but could make their pressure count. Samb and Garba had an effort each in a span of few minutes, but could not direct the ball into the base of the net.
However, the Hotspurs forged ahead against the run of play five minutes from time. Zammit’s team caught the Maroons on the break with Jan Busuttil rushing forward before unlocking Chimezie. The Nigerian forward managed to move beyond Curmi and send the ball into empty net.
The goal came as a cold shower for the league leaders but they were immediately thrown a lifeline when referee Trustin Farrugia Cann ordered a penalty for Gżira after in his opinion, Vella floored Samb.
Yet, Vella made amendments for the foul as he denied Samb from the penalty spot.
Nonetheless, the Maroons were not to be denied in stoppage time when substitute Jorginho hit a thumping volley inside the penalty area which was deflected by a Hotspurs’ player to deceive Vella and seal a point for Gżira.