Four-goal Camilo halts Sliema's stride

Sliema Wanderers 0
Qormi 4
Camilo 37 pen., 54 pen., 82, 87

With the spotlight firmly centred on this afternoon's showdown between Birkirkara and Valletta, Sliema Wanderers yesterday had the opportunity to turn up the heat on the front duo when they took on Qormi.

On a high after claiming three wins in a row, Sliema were widely seen as favourites to prolong their positive run at the expense of a Qormi team who have displayed signs of weariness in their recent outings.

But, the formbook was torn to shreds yesterday as Alfred Effiong and Camilo inspired Qormi to a convincing 4-0 victory that leaves Sliema's title bid in tatters. Although the scoreline was harsh on the Blues, Qormi deserved their win, their third over Sliema this season, as they were rock-solid in defence and deadly on the counter as Camilo tormented the lacklustre Blues by scoring his side's four goals.

This emphatic success re-ignites Qormi's hopes of a top-three finish as Jesmond Zerafa's men have rejoined Sliema in third place on 24 points.

A hamstring problem shattered Stefan Giglio's hopes of facing his former club while Matthew Bartolo, the winger who joined Qormi on loan from Sliema in January, was unavailable for selection.

Midfielder Mark Scerri was the only notable absentee for Sliema whose coach Mark Marlow opted for a 4-1-3-2 formation with Julio Alcorse and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza taking up striking duties.

Five minutes into the game, Ryan Fenech's long-range drive was tipped away by Matthew Farrugia. Pedrinho then miscued his header from Alex Muscat's inviting cross.

The Blues continued to show the better ideas in the attacking phase. Argentine striker Julio Alcorse volleyed over after Qormi defender Ramon headed away Pedrinho's cross.

By and large, the game was a soporific affair in the opening 25 minutes with goalmouth action very much at a premium.

Pedrinho, who was constantly shadowed by Keith Fenech, briefly interrupted the boredom when finishing off his diagonal run with a rising shot that flew over.

In next to no time, Qormi transferred the ball to attack where Camilo's progression into the box was illegitimately halted by Josef Mifsud, in the eyes of referee Chris Lautier. Thus, a penalty was awarded to Qormi and Camilo rifled past Simon Agius to give his side a 1-0 lead.

For all their possession, Sliema looked devoid of creativity and firepower.

Qormi's counter-attacking ploy almost yielded a second goal three minutes before half-time. Ryan Deguara passed to Effiong who darted into the box before dragging in a cross towards the far post but Camilo's half-volley lacked accuracy.

In first-half stoppage time, Clayton Failla's deep cross from the right sailed towards Ivan Woods at the far post but the Sliema captain hit wide.

Marlow withdrew Alcorse and threw on John Mintoff at the start of the second half. Sliema's afternoon took a turn for the worse when Qormi doubled their lead after being awarded a second penalty seven minutes into the second half.

Effiong's pace tormented Dronca who resorted to a late challenge to stop the Nigerian's run after Pisani's long ball from deep in his own half had caught the Sliema defence in a state of dishevelment. Referee Lautier pointed to the spot despite the protests of the Sliema players and Camilo despatched his shot past Agius for his second goal of the afternoon.

As Sliema struggled to summon a reaction, Qormi threatened to apply the killer blow. Effiong was prominent again when setting off on a typically fast run that took him past a posse of Sliema defenders but his low shot was wide.

Frustration got the better of Marlow who was ordered off the bench after taking his protests over a referee's decision too far.

Mifsud Triganza, who had a quiet match, spurned an inviting chance when heading over the bar following a goalmouth scramble.

Sliema called on Lautier to give them a penalty after Muscat's cross from the right glanced off Deguara but the referee saw nothing wrong.

With eight minutes left, Qormi landed the coup de grace, Camilo arrowing a stinging drive past the diving Agius from inside the box.

Sliema's misery deepened three minutes from time when goalkeeper Agius's poor clearance was intercepted by Camilo who quickly pounced on the loose ball and guided the ball into the net to complete his amazing feat.

Sliema Wanderers
S. Agius-4, A. Muscat-5, I. Azzopardi-5, J. Mifsud-5, R. Fenech-5, J.P. Mifsud Triganza-4, I. Woods-5, L. Dronca-4, J. Alcorse-4 ('46 J. Mintoff-4), Pedrinho-5, C. Failla-5 ('62 N. Turner).

Qormi
M. Farrugia-6.5, D. Pisani-6.5, Ramon-6.5, M. Grima-6, K. Fenech-6 ('89 G. Chircop), A. Effiong-8 ('86 S. Meilak), J. Farrugia-6, Camilo-8, R. Deguara-6 ('89 K. Spiteri), J. Bondin-6.5, S. Wellman-7.

Referee: Chris Lautier.

Yellow cards: Mifsud; Dronca; Fenech; Wellman; Pisani.

BOV player of the match: Alfred Effiong (Qormi).