Vittoriosa’s positive run halted by Qrendi

A late strike fom Santos da Hora was enough for Qrendi to halt Vittoriosa’s positive run and earn the the club a third victory this season.

Vittoriosa were fresh from two consecutive victories against Qormi and Zejtun, but yesterday’s defeat dented their hopes to challenge for the top three places.

The first half was played at a very slow pace with practically no shots at goal. Vittoriosa had more of the ball and on 14 minutes a Duncan Pisani effort slightly missed the target.

On 26 minutes Qrendi had their only attempt at goal of the first half when Dasser Sammut, well served by Nakamura, fired low with the ball going inches wide off the base of the upright.

The second period was more interesting with Vittoriosa more on the offensive with Liam Gauci blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.

On 63 minutes a Mark Barbara shot went over the bar and three minutes later Qrendi goalkeeper Azzopardi made a brilliant save to deny Liam Gauci.

Ten minutes from time Qrendi were unlucky when a shot from substitute Kenneth Abela hit the upright, but two minutes later they scored the winner with a Santos Da Hora header following a Nakamura freekick.

Vittoriosa made a last ditch effort to save the match but Qrenid held on to their slender and precious lead.

Vittoriosa S: A. Farrugia, E. Goodman (L. Casini 70 min), L. Gauci, D. Pisani, D. Galea, J. Ogonuppe, E. Mbong (D. Tabone 60 min), I. Abela, C. Spiteri, D. Fava, G. Sultana.

Qrendi: J. Azzopardi, P. Mrvic (J. Spiteri 67 min), D. Santos da Hora, Z. Bowman, D. Sammut, L. Scorfna, E. Amaira, M. Barbara (D. Zarb 78 min), T. D’Amato, S. Nakamura, A. Agius (K. Abela 74 min).

Referee: