Qormi lose further ground
Gharghur Qormi 1 1
Qormi’s promotion hopes received another setback yesterday as they could only draw against lowly Gharghur. Still smarting from their derby defeat against Zebbug, Qormi were never in the game in the first period, and only came to life in the last quarter of the match after suffering Gharghur’s goal.
On their part Gharghur were bubbling with enthusiasm from their sensational derby victory against Naxxar and played a very good, even taking the lead on 70 minutes. However they suffered a soft goal as Qormi made a very good reaction, and in the end had to thank their goalkeeper Valletta who made a great save in stoppage time.
Gharghur had a better start with Fagbeja testing Azzopardi direct from a freekick and on ten minutes the same Fagbeja was unlucky when another freekick smashed against the crossbar. Three minutes later Fagbeja again nipped in between the Qormi central defenders but his shot went slightly over the bar.
Qormi’s first attempt on 32 minutes Guzman passed towards Mark Barbara and the captain’s first timer went slightly over the bar.
In the second half Qormi were more aggressive and held the initiative for long stretches but they never tested Valletta in the Gharghur goal. On 70 minutes Gharghur took the lead when Carlo Gie’s cross was met by Lee Galea who headed home.
Qormi pushed desperately forward and obtained the equaliser on 79 minutes when substitute Noah Ojuola finished off a melee in front of goal. Qormi continued to attack and Gharghur goalkeeper Valletta saved the day when he blocked Chidozie who was well served by Michael Camilleri.
Z. Valletta, K. Fedele, M. Sota, K. Conti, C. Gie (G. Saliba), M. Fagbeja, L. Vella, D. Camilleri, L. Galea, L. Busuttil, J. Azzopardi.
J. Azzopardi, C. Farrugia, O. Sidibe, A. Abela, Q. Bregman, T. Guzman, B. Grech (N. Ojuola), M. Barbara, L. Chiedozie, S. Zammit (M. Camilleri), D. Vukovic (D. Micallef).
Matthew Degabriele