Stunning first session paves the way for an easy Sliema win
After Valletta’ surprise win in their last encounter, the prediction of the game forecasted a balanced affair, but this was not the case as Sliema Frank Salt demolished Valletta United with an easy win, winning by a nine-goal margin.
Sliema avenged their defeat in the best possible way as they started the match on a high that paved the way for the win. This game showed that there’s quality in the squad of Sliema and the hope of all those supporting Sliema, is that they can show a similar performance in the finali.
Coach Bogdan Rath made an interesting choice as he opted for young Zach Sciberras instead of regular goalkeeper Ryan Coleiro, a decision which proved to be a good decision as Sciberras had a very positive game.
Valletta disappointed and couldn’t control their opponents, led in the pitch by Guillermo Molina and his team-mates. They were aiming to make another surprise and reach the final for the first time in 27 years, but they didn’t had the same determination as their opponents.
Sliema started the game determined as ever not to let Valletta spring a surprise, and after Michael Cordina’s opener, Sliema started dominating scoring one goal after another to finish the session 6-1, a more than comfortable lead after only eight effective minutes of play.
Valletta were caught off guard by the performance of their opponents, and were looking to find a way to enter back into the game. They only managed to stop the destruction as they still trailed by four goals before half way the game.
That reaction proved only to be partial as Sliema tuned up again the band and after Cordina responded to Gambin and Gabarretta’s goals, Sliema scored four consecutive goals by Gambin, Mizzi, Spiteri Staines and Molina to wrap up the session with a definite score of 13-4.
Bogdan Rath’s team reduced their rhythm in the last session as they controlled the game without no difficulty, finishing a brilliant game and maybe this game can serve as an inspiration to try and surprise the dominant team of San Ġiljan.
Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta (2), E. Aquilina, C. Cluett (1), G. Molina (3), K. Dowling (1), M. Spiteri Staines (2), L. Galea, J. Gambin (3), M. Meli (1), Z. Mizzi (1), R. Greco, Z. Sciberras
Valletta: R. Sciortino, J. Spiteri Staines (1), A. Agius, M. Rizzo, M. Fenech, R. Mock, D. Paolella, N. Bonello Ghio, M. Cordina (2), B. Vapenski (1), K. Galea, D. Fenech, A. Mifsud (1)
Referees: Massimo Angileri, Daniele Bianco