Poor Malta U-21 slump to 4-0 upset

Malta U-21 slumped to a second defeat in the space of a week when they lost to England C by four clear goals at the Hibs Ground yesterday.

This was a poor performance by the Maltese lads who looked a disjointed lot and struggled to contain England C, a team largely composed of players outside the Football League.

Malta coach Edwin Camilleri effected four changes to the team that lost to Denmark 1-0 as Nicky Vella replaced Henry Bonello in goal, Owen Bonnici came in for Joseph Zerafa while Dylan Kokavessis and Ben Camilleri were given the nod ahead of Luke Agius and Terrence Vella.

The first half was a drab affair with both sides struggling to impose any rhythm to their play.

England C took the lead with their only real attempt at goal after only five minutes.

Jason Walker's free-kick was stopped by Malta's 'wall' but from the rebound Paul Brown let fly a powerful drive that whizzed past a helpless Vella.

Malta tried to respond but their attacking play was confused with the result that Kokavessis and Camilleri were left isolated up front.

Coach Camilleri effected several changes after the break but any hopes Malta had to get back into the reckoning were dashed on 53 minutes when Steve Borg inadvertently headed into his own goal following a Lee Tomlin free-kick.

More woes were in store for the hosts three minutes later. This time, Sean Newton rifled home England C's third goal with a shot from outside the box.

Tomlin almost grabbed a fourth on 75 minutes but his drive was parried by Vella with the aid of the bar.

England C did struck their fourth in stoppage time, Tomlin tapping home from close in.

Malta: N. Vella, S. Borg, O. Bugeja, S. Bonnici, C. Gatt Baldacchino, T. Farrugia, J. Mintoff, M. Scerri, W. Chircop, D. Kokavessis, B. Camilleri.

Subs used: H. Bonello, A. Borg, T. Vella, J. Buttigieg, Q. Refalo, L. Agius, B. Muscat.

England C: D. Roberts, S. Densmore, S. Newton, M. Byron, N. Wroe, M. Riley, L. Tomlin, L. McMahon, P. Clayton, J. Walker, P. Brown.

Subs used: I. Welsh, S. Arnold, T. Shaw, S. Doe, A. Boyes.

Referee: Chris Lautier.