Lija back on top with easy victory
Lija A 5 Pieta H 0
Lija Athletic re-joined Naxxar on top of the standings with an easy victory over Pieta in a one sided affair.
Pieta goalkeeper Chircop St John made a series of blunders that made it easier for Lija. This was Lija’s fourth successive victory as they made another step forward towards promotion.
Lija took the lead after 14 minutes when Albanian star Erjon Beu scored a beauty after a fine solo run on the left flank. Six minutes later Pieta’s first attempt with a Christian Grech freekick well saved by Bonnici.
On 30 minutes Lija doubled the score when a harmless looking shot from Everton Da Silva Santos was fumbled by goalkeeper Chircop with the ball finishing at the back of the net.
On 39 minutes Lija almost scored a third when Pieta’s goalkeeper again lost the ball following a corner action, with Patrick Borg’s shot cleared off the goal line by Clive Gauci.
On 42 minutes another blunder by the Pieta goalkeeper who was once again beaten by another easy looking shot from Antoine Borg.
On the hour, Lija made it four when Bello Osagie headed home an Erjon Beu cross from the right. On 76 minutes Pieta went close a consolation goal when Clive Gauci’s shot hit the outer part of the base of the upright after a good run by Mensah.
On 84 minutes substitute Aiden Galea scored a beauty, probably the best goal of the lot direct from a freekick.
Lija A: L. Bonnici, C. Cassar (A. Galea), L. Muscat, P. Borg, D. Scerri, E. Beu, L.J. Schembri, A. Borg, M. Clinch, A. Bello Osagie (J. Garcia Vidal), E. Da Silva Santos (P. Babic).
Pieta H: J. Chircop St.John, C. Degabriele, C. Gauci, D. Agius, J. Busuttil, G. Spiteri, S. Bartolo (J. Scicluna), G. Mensah, C. Grech, I. Jalo, J. Suda (C. Bouvet).
Referee: Ishmael Barbara