Sport • 09 FEBRUARY 2003

Marsaxlokk’s class proves to much for Msida

Any hopes for another surprise result by Msida over a premiership side were quashed by Marsaxlokk who beat Msida Saint Joseph 4-2. Experience and class proved to be the decisive factor.

First Division leaders Msida had beaten Hamrun Spartans soundly (3-0) in the first round, but yesterday at the Ta’Qali National Stadium Marsaxlokk were in no mood for surrender. The southseasiders enjoyed the luxury of missing some easy chances during the match.

Msida did its best to contain the Premiership side but the likes of Johann Zammit and Carmel Formosa together with the returning Richard Buhagiar proved to much for the Saints.

At the beginning of the match it looked like another surprise was in the offing. Again the ever present Daniel Nwoke was quick and with a fine slalom beat the Marsaxlokk defence to score a gem of a goal.

Marsaxlokk reacted immediately but missed some easy chances. The pressure finally paid off when three minutes before the break, following a cross, Msida defender Jesmond Delia headed into his own goal for a deserved equaliser.

Marsaxlokk came out stronger on the resumption and, after 57 minutes, Johann Zammit was left unmarked at the far post by the Msida rearguard to score. The first division side did not react, on the contrary they started to panic and it was no surprise when Carmel Formosa was left unmarked on 69 minutes to slot the ball home for M’Xlokk’s third.

The Saints were given a lifeline when Marsaxlokk defender Benneth Njoku handled the ball in his area and a penalty was awarded. As usual the cool Jeremy Agius scored from 11 metres and with nine minutes to go Msida were back in contention.

But two minutes from time Roderick Spiteri ruined Msida’s hopes when he scored at a time the First Division side were pushing men forward for an equaliser.

MARSAXLOKK: Reuben Debono, Justin Tellus, Kurt Farrugia (Benneth Njoku), Richard Buhagiar (Darren Vella), Pierre Grima, Roger Walker (Roderick Spiteri), Etienne Barbara, Alan Mifsud, Petr Bartes, , Johann Zammit, Carmel Formosa

Msida:

MSIDA: Omar Borg, Julian Briffa, Jason Galea, Tano Farrugia, Jesmond Delia, Karl Vella Petroni (Ibrahim Tarik), Fabio Cauchi, Charles Sciberras, Donald Gatt, Jeremy Agius (Aaron Formosa), Daniel Nwoke,

Referee: Lorry Sammut