Sliema back to winning ways

against all three promoted teams, winning two games while they finished 2-2 against Senglea.

John Buttigieg changed half of the team that lost against the citizens last week, which meant a debut for 18-year-old Albanian ex Inter midfielder Frenci Qero who had a good game. On the other side, Joseph Galea made his only change in between the sticks with Jonathan Martinelli stating instead of Bonnici.

The first half saw both teams have their good moments with possession being very much even. Lija were not deadly in front of goal making it easy for Zammit whilst Sliema made the most of their chances. The second half was mostly played in the middle of the pitch with Lija having most of the possession. It was an error by Lija Athletic which gave Sliema the initiative to close the game late on.

Sliema opened the score in the 16th minute when a good corner by debutant Frenci Qeros found Stefano BIANCARDI who headed the ball in the corner of the net with a well-placed shot, leaving the Lija goalkeeper helpless.

Ten minutes later Qeros was unlucky not to make it two when his shot from outside the box hit the woodwork.

Sliema were again unlucky to not score after 35 minutes when Correa Duarte lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Martinelli but Sidibe was quick to get to the ball before it went over the line before clearing the danger.

Sliema doubled on the 79th minute when the Lija defenders gifted the ball to Jefferson DE ASSIS who went through on goal and slotted past the keeper.

A few minutes later Lija’s winger Beu found Zammit ready who saved his cross shot before Sliema cleared it to safety.

■ A goal in each half gave Sliema Wanderers their second win of the season. The Wanderers managed also to score again, after failing to do so in the last two games, finishing in a goalless draw against Balzan and losing to Valletta 1-0. This game meant...