Dimech ends Notts C. trial

Luke Dimech will not be playing for English Division Two club Notts County despite his positive performances in three trial matches in the last 10 days.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, the 24-year-old Malta international defender said that Notts County were unable to offer him a contract due to their financial plight.

"Notts County requested that I be available to play for them in another friendly this week but I have decided to end my trial after I was told of their problems in signing contracts with new players.

"On Monday, I will report for training with my former club Lincoln City who are coached by my ex-youth coach. I am optimistic that other opportunities will arise in the coming weeks," Dimech said.

Last month, Notts County, the oldest surviving Football League club, were forced into administration due to mounting debts that were exacerbated by the lack of television money after the collapse of ITV Digital.

Dimech, formerly of Sliema Wanderers, moved to England a few weeks ago to boost his chances of earning a contract with a club there.

He holds dual citizenship as he was a UK resident before deciding to continue his football career in Malta in the 90s.

Lowly Metalurg hammered

Metalurg Zaporizhya, Birkirkara's UEFA Cup opponents, slumped to their third defeat in four matches in the Ukrainian premier division after suffering a heavy 5-2 upset to Dynamo Kiev.

With only one point from four outings, Metalurg are bottom of the 16-team league in Ukraine.