BOV Premier League | St Andrews 1 – Senglea Athletic 0

Joseph Farrugia’s late goal gave St Andrews a 1-0 win over Senglea Athletic.

Ivan Paz (Senglea) and Kyle Butler (St Andrews) challenging each other for the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg
Ivan Paz (Senglea) and Kyle Butler (St Andrews) challenging each other for the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg

Senglea had a great opportunity after five minutes. Miguel Escobar sent Rene Caseres through on goal, and the latter ran inside the penalty area but found Matthew Calleja Cremona in his way. The St Andrews goalkeeper came out of his position and blocked the shot.

St Andrews responded on the 9th minute. Aidan Friggieri fired a shot that was neutralised by Matthew Farrugia.

Two minutes later, Senglea were denied by the post. Following a corner, Steve Bonnici saw his header hitting the upright.

Senglea threatened again on the 15th minute. Ivan Paz sent a dangerous cross which was parried by Calleja Cremona.

On the 43rd minute, Farrugia of St Andrews hit a shot from a free-kick that was saved by Senglea’s shot stopper.

Steve D’Amato’s side replied on the 45th minute. Nicolas Virano passed the ball towards Matias Garzia who finished off target.

Senglea ended up in ten men on the 54th minute when Caseres was shown his second yellow by the referee.

Two minutes later, Paz went down the left side and sent a shot that hit the side netting.

Despite having a man less, Senglea kept insisting in attack and had a goal disallowed on the 61st minute. From a free-kick, Paz sent a cross towards Terence Vella who headed inside the net. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside.

Senglea went close again on the 74th minute. Virano delivered a cross towards the unmarked Garzia who finished over from close range.

St Andrews threatened on the 78th minute. Kevaughn Atkinson saw his shot from a free-kick going wide.

Three minutes later, Senglea had another goal disallowed. From a corner, Paz delivered a cross that was met by Garzia who finished home. The referee signalled that the ball went out before going into the path of Garzia and cancelled the goal.

Farrugia was on the alert to deny St Andrews one minute from time. Atkinson fired a powerful drive from inside the penalty area that was saved by Senglea’s goalkeeper.

In the additional time, Senglea went down to nine men as Terracciano was shown a red card.

St Andrews scored the winning goal from the resulting free-kick. Farrugia hit a wonderful shot that went inside the net.

St Andrews starting line-up: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Enmy Pena Beltre, Adrian Borg, Nehemiah Perry, Liam Grech, Joseph Farrugia, Tano Azian, Martin Davis, Kyle Butler (Marcus Grima – 42), Aidan Friggieri (Kevaughn Atkinson – 73), Misael Miranda Gomez (Jacob Walker – 61)

Senglea starting line-up: Matthew Farrugia, Jonathan Bondin, Julian Leyton, Steve Bonnici, Antonio Terraciano, Matias Garzia, Nicolas Virano (Peter Sammut – 87), Hubert Vella, Rene Caseres, Miguel Escobar (Terence Vella-57), Ivan Paz (Randall Vella – 90)

Referee: Matthew Degabriele

Assistant Referees: Dusan Petrovic, Theodor Zammit

Fourth Official: Eman Grech

Yellow Cards: Caseres (Senglea), Liam Grech (St Andrews), Caseres (Senglea), Julian Leyton (Senglea), Terraciano (Senglea), Pena Beltre (77), Vella (Senglea), Paz (Senglea)

Red Cards: Caseres (Senglea), Terracciano (Senglea)

BOV Player of the Match: Joseph Farrugia (St Andrews)