Stars keep on shining

Vittoriosa went on top of the standings with Mqabba and Senglea after beating Pieta by the odd goal in five in a spectacular match. Pieta had the edge in the first half but Vittoriosa were undoubtedly the better team in the second part.

The first half was a delight to watch with both sides playing some very good attacking football even though goal mouth actions were scarce. Pieta were surely the better team in the first fourtyfive minutes and their slender lead by the half way mark was a deserved one.

Mensah was irresistible at times with his runs with Neil Pace Cocks playing a diligent match in midfield. The Stars fresh from their derby win against Senglea had their good moments too, but Dhrami was subdued by Pieta’s well organised rearguard.

The only goal of the first half came on 19 minutes when Christian Grech scored direct from a freekick beating Magri with a precise grounder. Vittoriosa’s chances came through Liam Gauci who created havoc in the Pieta defence only to be stopped by young goalkeeper Chircop, with the same custodian blocking a dengerous Mrvic header just before the break.

Sixty seconds into the second half Vittoriosa drew level when Andre Farrugia scored following a corner action. Six minutes later Vittoriosa were in front when Leighton Grech passed towards substitute Fabjo Dhrami who finished in style with a grounder.

The Stars’ joy was shortlived as Pieta were back on level terms on 55 minutes when Mensah passed towards Neil Pace Cocks who beat Magri on the far post.

On 69 minutes Vittoriosa were unlucky when Fabjo Dhrami’s header was stopped by the crossbar. Two minutes later the Stars were once again unlucky when Duncan Pisani’s header was cleared off the goal line by Grech.

Six minutes from time Vittoriosa were back in front when Leighton Grech’s cross was met by Fabjo Dhrami who drilled home from close range.