St. Andrews cruise past Sliema Wanderers

A tactically disciplined St. Andrews side earned their second victory of the season after registering a 3-0 win against Sliema Wanderers.

Alex Muscat of Sliema attempting to clear the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg
Alex Muscat of Sliema attempting to clear the ball. Photo: Dominic Borg

Sliema created the first chance of the match on the 11th minute when Mark Scerri’s cross was met by Milos Galin whose header was parried out for a corner by Jake Galea.

St. Andrews responded two minutes later. Ryan Darmanin was put through on goal by Daniel Brandle; however, Glenn Zammit came off his line and cleared the danger.

On the 24th minute, the Wanderers had another good opportunity after Gary Muir fired a shot from the outside of the penalty area that went slightly high.

Four minutes from the break, St. Andrews missed a golden opportunity when Ivan Edgardo Paz delivered a cross towards the unmarked Ryan Darmanin who missed the target from an ideal position.

On the 49th minute, Ryan Darmanin made up for his mistake late in the first half by putting St. Andrews ahead. From a corner, Paz delivered a cross inside the penalty area that found Darmanin who headed past Glenn Zammit.

Jose Borg’s side doubled the score on the 59th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Daniel Brandle was brought down inside the penalty area by Wisdom Salomon. From the penalty spot, Joseph Farrugia made no mistake.

Eight minutes later, St. Andrews made it 3-0 when Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre went inside the penalty area and slotted the ball inside the net.

 In the remaining minutes, St. Andrews managed to control their opposition to take home another three valuable points.

St. Andrews starting line-up: Jake Galea, Michael Johnson, Karlo Kesinovic, Bong Won Che, Fleix Okon Udoh, Enmy Manuel Pene Beltre, Ryan Darmanin, Joseph Farrugia, Daniel Brandle, Ziga Kastrevec, Ivan Edgardo Paz.

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Glenn Zammit, Alex Muscat, Garry Muir, Aidan Jake Friggieri, Guiseppe Muscat, Wisdom Salomon, Mathias Muchardi, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Milos Galin, Marco Potezica.

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri

Assistant referees: Edward Spiteri, Martin Borg

Fourth official: Philip Farrugia

BOV player of the match: Ivan Edgardo Paz (St. Andrews)