Qormi beat leaders Hotsticks

Lightshop Hotsticks 0 Qormi Poiatti 3

Luke Busuttil Leaver, James Mizzi

After a cautious start by both teams Qormi nearly drew first blood when they hit a post in the 12th minute.

Hotsticks did not avail themselves of two penalty corner awards around the 14 minute mark but as the game wore on Qormi applied more pressure on the well organised Hotsticks’ defence.

In fact on 23 minutes, after Hotsticks custodian had affected two point blank saves, John Williams was on hand to pick up a rebound and push home putting Qormi into a 1-0 lead.

On 28 minutes Steve Tanti shot Qormi 2-0 up the half time whistle sounding with Qormi retaining their two goal advantage.

Two minutes into the second half Kyle Micallef hit a beauty low into the net to increase Qormi’s lead and, although Hotsticks pressed hard to claw back into the game, they missed five penalty corner opportunities allowing Qormi to consolidate their second position in the league table by winning this match 3-0.

Laferla White Hart Floriana Young Stars 2 1

Umpires: John Williams, Andre Ghio

Early Young Stars’ pressure did not produce dividends and on 13 minutes White Hart were awarded a penalty stroke which Luke Brincat buried stroking a low shot into the corner of the net from the spot. Both teams increased their efforts but it was White Hart who went further ahead when David Agius met a Glen Bonello cross close to the byline and flicked home from a very narrow angle.

Young Stars reacted and after not taking advantage of five penalty corner awards they pulled one back when Jamie Mifsud scored seconds before the half time whistle blew.

The second half proved to be interesting as gaps started opening with both teams creating chances as the game flowed from end to end.

Both defences stood firm and tempers frayed as the clock ran down and the two sides were reduced to ten men. Although Young Stars increased their resolve and pressed hard for an equaliser, White Hart stood firm and ran out 2 -1 winners to give them their second victory this season.

Standings After 12 matches, Lightshop Hotsticks lead with 20 points, followed by Qormi on 18,Floriana YS are third on 12, followed by Laferla White Hart and Rabat Depiro on five each.