Second win for Qormi

Qormi 1
Senglea Athletics 0

Qormi moved closer to the top positions in the standings thanks to a second consecutive win. Yesterday, they beat Senglea 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium in a contest that tilted Qormi's way after the introduction of substitutes Anatole Debono, Lee Grima and Michael Borg Olivier.

For Senglea this was their second upset of the season following their victory over rivals St George's in their last outing. They were beaten by Tarxien in their opening match of the campaign.

The first real threat on goal came Senglea's way in the 19th minute when a fierce Glenn Bonello drive was deflected away by a defender.

Two minutes later Richard Mercieca's side again went close, this time it was Anthony Ewurun whose drive from inside the box was saved in style by Matthew Farrugia.

With Joe Farrugia leading the charge, Qormi hit back on 25 minutes when Carmel Formosa rose high above the Senglea defence but headed just over following a Joe Farrugia delivery.

Qormi almost took the lead just before the break when Formosa's header, from a Clyde Camoin cross from the left, was stopped by George Attard.

On resumption, Kenneth Abela controlled the ball just outside the area, following a defensive clearance, and after flashing past a couple of defenders, shot just over the Qormi goal.

Qormi, however, scored what proved to be the winner on 70 minutes. Formosa delivered a perfect pass to Grima, who from the edge of the area drove the ball firmly to the back of the net, giving keeper Attard no chance despite his diving attempt.

Senglea were unlucky three minutes later when Ewurun rattled the bar with a thunderous shot from just inside the box. At the other end, a Grima ball was headed just wide by Debono.

Attard kept Senglea in the game when he saved with a foot a close-range Debono drive following some good work by Chima Dozie.

Qormi persisted in attack and on 78 minutes a Grima shot finished inches wide.

Qormi: M. Farrugia, K. Zammit, M. Borg, J. Saliba, B. Fenech (L. Grima), J. Chetcuti (A. Debono), J. Farrugia, C. Camoin, C. Formosa (M. Borg Olivier), C. Dozie, P. Camilleri.

Senglea: G. Attard, D. Cosaitis, K. Mifsud, C. Caruana (D. Grech, J. Farrugia), M. Tanti, C. Cuschieri, S. Aquilina, G. Bonello, A. Ewurun, D. Okonkwo, J. Borg (K. Abela).

Referee: Jurgen Spiteri.

Man of the match: Joe Farrugia (Qormi).

Note: The game between St George's and Marsa, which was postponed last Friday due to heavy fog, will be played at the Centenary Stadium tomorrow at 6 p.m. This match will be followed by Mosta vs St Patrick at 8 p.m.