Marsaxlokk move closer to promotion

Vittoriosa Stars 0
Marsaxlokk 2

Marsaxlokk moved a step closer to Premier League football after they beat rivals Vittoriosa Stars at the Hibs Stadium yesterday.

Patrick Curmi's side again proved their worth with their intelligent and fast flowing football to confirm they are the best team in Division One.

They were a joy to watch against another strong outfit, Vittoriosa, who like Marsaxlokk would have played top grade football this season, hadn't they been involved in last year's match-fixing case.

Following this defeat, Vittoriosa stayed third a point behind Balzan Youths and St George's and seven behind leaders Marsaxlokk.

The southerners made their intentions clear from the outset with Gary Caruana's drive finishing just wide.

At the other end, a Beppe Muscat drive from just outside the area was blocked by William Camenzuli and from the rebound Clayton Micallef drove the ball over.

Marsaxlokk opened the score in the 14 minute with Malcolm Licari driving the ball home from close range following a magnificent Martin Deanov through-pass.

Vittoriosa failed to hit back and on 34 minutes a Rumen Galabov shot finished just over after a good pass by Peter Pullicino.

Six minutes before the break, a Jeffrey Chetcuti header finished just over from a Leontin Chitescu cross.

Just before the break, Marsaxlokk had more scoring opportunities. The first when Pullicino shot straight at Bonello and then a Camenzuli drive finished wide.

Marsaxlokk continued to dominate the proceedings in the second half and a Pullicino drive was deflected just over the crossbar by a defender.

Midway through the second half Galabov found Camenzuli sprinting from the left flank with his fierce effort being saved by Bonello.

Fifteen minutes from time, substitute Henry Makinwa dashed inside the area but shot straight into the side-netting.

Marsaxlokk wrapped up the points a minute later when Licari anticipated Bonello to squeeze the ball home to the delight of the Marsaxlokk fans.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello; J. Camilleri (M. Borg Olivier), P. Aquilina, J. Chetcuti, J. Xerri, P. Camilleri (J. Spiteri), C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, B. Muscat, E. Vella (H. Makinwa), J. Chetcuti.

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, M. Deanov, P. Pullicino, M. Licari, L. Grech (D. Carabott), W. Camenzuli, G. Caruana (G. Sciberras), C. Brincat, R. Galabov, E. Yantchev, T. Templeman.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Man of the match: Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk).