Sliema Hotsticks 1
Young Stars 2

A tight first half produced only one short corner for Young Stars in a balanced league match. A tremendous effort by Chris Attard was deflected past the post as both teams created a half-chance in the final minutes before half-time.

The second half was a different story altogether.

The game was played at a higher tempo with Hotsticks going ahead in the 53rd minute through Steve Portelli after winning three short corners in a row.

Young Stars’ reaction was immediate and three minutes later, Ivan Magro Dingli levelled the scores after his team had forced two short corners. They continued to pile the pressure on the Hotsticks’ rearguard and Mark Camilleri fired them ahead in the 60 minutes.

Hotsticks made a rally as they pushed for an equaliser.

They won three short corners but were foiled by the experienced Young Stars keeper, James Mizzi. In the end, they were unable to find a way through and Young Stars held on to their slim lead.

Umpires: Paul Brincat, Andre Ghio.