Senglea stun St Patrick
St Patrick 0Senglea Athletic 1\nFirst division newcomers Senglea Athletic confirmed that they have got what it takes to stand tall against any opposition. Yesterday, at the Corradino Ground, they beat an in-form St Patrick side who until now had been...
St Patrick 0
Senglea Athletic 1
\nFirst division newcomers Senglea Athletic confirmed that they have got what it takes to stand tall against any opposition. Yesterday, at the Corradino Ground, they beat an in-form St Patrick side who until now had been performing majestically.
St Patrick shared the run of play but could not break a resilient Senglea rearguard, well marshalled by former Hibs defender Lawrence Attard (1).
The first 45 minutes were very balanced even though Senglea were more dangerous every time they ventured forward. They could have forged ahead after two minutes when in a swift counter-attack, Anthony Gera found Lawrence Attard (2) who, from a good position, brought the best out of goalkeeper Alex Camilleri.
Six minutes later the Saints responded well when a Thomas Caruana solo run ended with the St Patrick striker's fierce drive saved by Elvin Attard in the Senglea goal.
As time went by, most of the play was concentrated in the middle of the park. However, in the 36th minute Senglea struck. They were awarded a free-kick on the right after a foul on Gera. From the resultant set-piece, Kevin Mifsud was first on the ball to head past Camilleri.
The Saints' reaction soon arrived and a minute before the break they were unlucky not to draw level when Attard failed to clear his lines from a cross, the ball fell into the path of Renis Hyka whose effort was hooked away by a Senglea defender.
In the second half, the game continued on the same trend and after 47 minutes Attard (2) went close again when his shot was again fisted away by Camilleri.
St Patrick's reply arrived on 56 minutes when Cassar found Hyka whose volley was parried by Attard.
The Saints, despite having most of the possession for the rest of the half, failed to trouble Senglea who kept their lead until the final whistle.
St Patrick: A. Camilleri, P. Mizzi, R. Cassar, M. Pullicino, M. Zerafa (D. Apap), D. Gauci, R. Hyka, T. Caruana, A. Farrugia, G. Xerri (C. Massa), K. Bonnici (J. Azzopardi).
Senglea: E. Attard, T. Ghirxi, F. Dingli, L. Attard (1), S. Aquilina, A. Imbroll, L. Attard (2) (J. Scerri), K. Mifsud, S. Said, A. Gera (J. Fsadni), K. Tonna (D. Draganov).
Referee: Chris Lautier.