Late goals see Zebbug through

Zebbug R Zabbar SP 3 1

Zebbug ended their first round committments on a high note beating Zabbar 3-1 thanks to two late goals. It was an entertaining encounter with Zabbar giving their opponents a very good run for their money, with the score a bit harsh on the boys led by Alfred Attard.

Both sides had an impressive start with Kurt Borg going near for Zabbar and with Zebbug going near at the other end through Mello Da Silva. On ten minutes Zabbar went close with a good move between Dylan Micallef and Kurt Borg with the latter’s shot cleared off the goal line by Miguel Attard.

Sixty seconds later Zebbug missed a sitter when Kovacic missed a sitter with a free header in front of goal going wide.

Zabbar held a slight edge over their opponents but failed to create scoring opportunities.

On 35 minutes a Kovacic low drive on the first post was well saved by Grech and from the same corner Kovacic’s effort went inches wide.

Zebbug dominated the last part of the first half with the Zabbar goalkeeper again outstanding in stoppage time saving brilliantly a Mello Da Silva scorcher from the edge of the area.

Eleven into the second half Zebbug won a penalty in a rather harsh decision when Mallia was apparently pushed by Sacco. From the penaly spot the same Larson Mallia made no mistake. Five minutes later Mello Da Silva should have sealed it but he failed to connect in front of goal.

On 66 minutes Zabbar drew level when a Dylan Aquilina shot caught the Zebbug defence completely off guard and Shalon Diacono was on hand to slot home. On 73 minutes the Zabbar goalkeeper made an incredible save blocking a point blank header from Kovacic.

Eight minutes from time Zebbug regained the lead when a Mello Da Silva shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and from the rebound substitute Luke Gatt fired home. On 87 minutes Mello Da Silva sealed the issue with the third goal scored with a precise grounder.

J. Farrugia, M. Attard, S. Schembri, M. Bonnici, R. Da Silva Gomes, A. Curmi (C. Pace 76 min)(T. Hili 88 min), K. Zammit, L. Mallia, A. Kovacic (L. Gatt 79 min), G. Camilleri, A. Mello Da Silva.

J. Grech, K. Cutajar (G. Tabone 87 min), K. Borg, G. Adamo, K. Sacco, C. Magro, D. Aquilina, D. Micalllef, S. Diacono, C. Stewart (N.L. Silva Canas 77 min), D. Pace (A. Azzopardi 85 min)

Daniel Portelli

Standings

Qormi Mqabba Pieta H Vittoriosa S Żebbuġ R Żejtun C Sirens San Ġwann Qrendi Melita Żabbar SP Pembroke Marsa Rabat A 11 12 12 12 13 12 12 12 11 12 13 12 12 12 8 8 8 6 5 4 5 3 2 3 2 4 1 1 2 1 26 11 26 1 3 27 13 25 0 4 29 15 24 3 3 23 16 21 6 2 21 14 21 5 3 18 18 17 2 5 23 23 17 6 3 17 19 15 7 2 13 14 13 2 7 12 24 11 4 7 14 26 10 5 3 19 12 7 4 7 11 26 7 1 10 13 35 4