September 2005
Fri 30
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Zurrieq 1-0, Siggiewi vs Luqa SA 1-0
- Mosta's Udochukwu Nwoko has been chosen as the BOV Player of the Month for September 2005.
The diminutive Nigerian striker hit the headlines during recent weeks with some polished performances which helped his newly-promoted team leave their mark against higher-rated opponents.
Nwoko's technical qualities are adhesive skills when the ball is at his feet and speed off the mark. His goal-scoring ability is also another high point in his game as was evident when he netted great goals in the games against Pietà and Floriana.
A product of Hibernians, Nwoko is on loan with the Blues after playing for Xewkija Tigers last season.
Thu 29
- Former Malta Under-21 national coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia has been appointed as technical director of Marsaxlokk. He will take up the post with immediate effect until the end of the season.
Despite strengthening their squad with new players like Kevin Sammut, Stephen Wellman, Gareth Sciberras, goalkeeper Reuben Gauci and three new foreigners, Marsaxlokk had a disappointing campaign so far in the BOV Premier League. They are currently fourth with nine points from six matches. They registered just two wins over Hamrun and Mosta and obtained three draws against Birkirkara, Msida and Floriana. Marsaxlokk will be facing champions Sliema Wanderers on Saturday.
After playing for Floriana, Ray Farrugia moved to Australia where he played for 12 years for Paramatta Melita Eagles. In Australia, he became a qualified coach and on his return to Malta, he joined Naxxar Lions as a player-coach. Farrugia then had a successful four-year spell with the Malta Under-21 side, between 1998 and 2002, before joining General Sports Enterprises. In the mean time, he was appointed coach of Pietà Hotspurs. His contract expired at the end of season 2003/2004. Last January, Farrugia launched the Zazu Football School.
Wed 28
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Mosta 2-1
- Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Xaghra U. 2-1
- The Malta Under-17 side lost 2-0 to Serbia & Montenegro in the second game from the Group 11 mini-tournament of the Qualification Round for the 5th European Under-17 Championship which is being held in Lithuania.
Milos Nikolic put the former Yugoslav republic ahead after just one minute and although they had Igor Miladinovic sent off early in the second half, they managed to score a second goal on 76 minutes thanks to Nenad Adamovic whose shot was deflected by Steven Bonnici.
Malta now meet hosts Lithuania on Saturday.
- Birkirkara coach Stephen Azzopardi was suspended for two matches after being sent off towards the end of the BOV Premier League clash with Hibernians on Monday.
Azzopardi will be therefore unable to guide his players from the bench in the games against Hamrun Spartans and Mosta.
Meanwhile only one Premier League player was suspended - Nicolò Baldacchino of Floriana. He will be missing the next game against Sliema.
In Division 1, Giles Lanzon (Lija), Victor Bellia (Naxxar) and Emanuel Sevasta (St. George's) were suspended for one match.
Gudja duo Aldrin Muscat and Jonathan Zahra were suspended for one match in Division 2.
Other players to be suspended for one match were youth players Steven Gauci (Gudja), Marius Scerri (Hamrun), Noel Cutajar (Kirkop), Clayton Gusman (Msida), Owen Camenzuli (Siggiewi) and Christian Bugeja (Siggiewi). Christian Buhagiar (Kirkop) was suspended for two matches.
Tue 27
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Pembroke A. 1-1, Xghajra T. vs Sta. Venera L. 2-5
- The Malta Under-17 side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Northern Ireland in the opening match of the Group 11 mini-tournament of the Qualification Round for the 5th European Under-17 Championship which is being held in Lithuania.
During the first half, the Maltese had several attempts at goal before Glanville Goodlip gave Malta a deserved lead on the 35th minute after a fine solo effort.
Within ten minutes after the interval the Irish were 2-1 up through goals from Adam McGurk and Geoff McGaw. There was a reaction from the Maltese, but with thirteen minutes to go, Clake Simpson made it 3-1.
In the dying minutes, Matthew Camilleri saved a penalty for Malta.
Malta will be meeting Serbia-Montenegro on Thursday and hosts Lithuania on Saturday 1.
Mon 26
- FIFA fined both the federations of Croatia and Malta following the mayhem at Ta' Qali at the end of the World Cup qualifiers between the two countries on September 7.
The Croatians were fined 55,000 Swiss francs (Lm 15,500) for its fans' misbehavior with Malta fined 13,000 francs (Lm 3,600) for failing to take appropriate security precautions.
The Croatian FA has been warned that any further crowd disturbances by their supporters will lead to more severe sanctions.
Croatian hooligans had retorted to violence as they saw their side losing two important points in a 1-1 draw. The few police officers present at Ta' Qali were unable to cope with a situation where a number of Croatian supporters threw scores of seats in the direction of the VIP area. A wooden door and metal objects were also thrown in the same direction. Two Croatian hooligans also tried to force open the gate which separates the West Stand C and the VIP area with a pole.
The Croatians also surrounded the few police officers present in their stand hitting them violently.
More police officers and Special Assignment Group officers arrived and as the situation started to calm down, around 45 minutes later, the first set of Croatian supporters - women and children and then the members of the Croatian Under-21 squad - were escorted out of the stadium.
A number of Maltese suffered slight injuries. Among these were sixteen police officers including Superintendent Pio Pisani; Minister Censu Galea and MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef. Seventy were in fact hospitalised. Three Croatian supporters were also taken to hospital. A hundred and three Croatians were then arraigned in Court.
FIFA said the two associations could appeal their fines.
- Premier League Hibernians vs Birkirkara 5-2
- Second Division Attard vs Melita 1-1
- Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere will be joining Valletta after the Citizens decided to terminate the contract of Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev.
Chukunyere played for Hibernians for eight years but his contract with the Paolites was terminated this summer following an agreement with the two parties.
Milen Penchev has been playing for Valletta for the past three years. However a nagging knee injury meant that he missed a number of matches. It is understood that the player would have spent a number of months to fully recover from the injury.
Chukunyere will be joining Serbian defender Branko Nisevic and Nigerian striker Jerry Ani. Although the transfer market is not open, the fact that he is out-of-contract and that he earns his living from football allows him to register for a club.
- On the occasion of the Anti-Racism Day 2005, a group of 40 refugees will be attending a symbolic ceremony on Saturday, 1st October at the National Stadium.
In the interval between the first and second BOV Premier League matches scheduled for the day, Officials of the MFA and Member Clubs will meet and shake hands with the refugees as a sign of Friendship and Solidarity in the interests of Football.
This Ceremony was made possible with the assistance of Mons. Philip Calleja of the Emigrants’ Commission.
Sun 25
- Premier League Floriana vs Mosta 4-4, Pieta' H. vs Valletta 0-0
- First Division Lija A. vs Tarxien R. 1-2, San Gwann vs Mqabba 1-1
- Second Division Qormi vs Zebbug R. 2-2, Dingli S. vs Gudja U. 3-1, Gozo vs Gharghur 0-0
- Third Division Rabat A. vs Mgarr U.0-0, Ghaxaq vs Santa Lucia 0-1
- Women's League Mosta vs Birkirkara 2-1, Melita vs Raiders 2-0
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 1-1
Sat 24
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Msida SJ 2-1
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Marsa 0-4, Senglea A. vs St. George's 0-2
- Second Division Mellieha vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1, Gzira U. vs Balzan Y. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs SK Victoria W. 3-1
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Zebbug R. 1-0
- The Under-17 side leaves Malta on Sunday destination, Lithuania where Malta will be taking part in the Group 11 mini-tournament of the Qualification Round for the 5th European Under-17 Championship 2006 which will be held between the 26th September and 2nd October.
Also playing in the same tournament besides Malta and hosts Lithuania are Northern Ireland and Serbia & Montenegro.
Malta plays Northern Ireland in the first match on Tuesday 27, then Serbia-Montenegro on Thursday and Lithuania on Saturday 1.
Under-17 coach Joe Grech and his assistant Winston Muscat selected 18 players for the tournament. The squad includes sixteen year old Tyrone Farrugia on Msida St. Joseph who is playing regularly with the Premier side.
The players are:
goalkeepers Matthew Camilleri (Pietà), Nicholas Vella (San Gwann);
defenderrs Steve Bonnici (Melita), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Giuseppe Muscat (Sliema), Julian Tonna (Mellieha), Jonathan Xerri (Hibs);
midfielders Julian Galea (Melita), Sheldon Grech (Pietà), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Clayton Zammit (Hibernians);
forwards Nathan Busuttil (Pietà), Glanville Goodlip (Pietà), Osbert Ellul (Hibs), Leighton Grech (Hibs), Dylan Kovakessis (Pietà).
The Maltese contingent, headed by the Vice-Chariman of the Amateur & Youths Football Committee, Mr Salvu Vella, leaves Malta to Lithuania (via Gatwick Airport) on Sunday at 04:00.
- The MFA TV weekly programme 'MFA Magazine', launched early in October last year, will resume on Wednesday 28th September 2005 on Smash Television.
The programme, again presented by Rodney Vassallo, will this time be of 90 minutes duration. It will be transmitted live every Wednesday at 18.30 hrs, with a repetition on Thursday at 22.00 hrs. Like in the previous schedule, there will be different guests in the 40-week long series which is due to come to an end in the last week of June 2006.
This weekly programme is geared towards providing televiewers with an informative background of the administrative, organisational and technical role of the Maltese Association, including that in the coaching and refereeing sectors. The programme also helps to further promote the game in Malta through previews and reviews of the domestic matches at club level and those of the Maltese national teams in the different categories.
An insight of the Association's involvement in running the Game in Malta, analysis of its policies and decisions, focus on Member Clubs and Member Associations, discussions on various topics of interest, competitions, phone-ins, SMS's and innovative slots will feature throughout the nine-month programme cyle.
While being a vehicle of information 'MFA Magazine' will seek to educate the Maltese football followers, even through constructive criticism. At the same time the programme is also tailored to counter-balance any misinformation or inaccurate facts regarding the work of the Association which may, inadvertently or not, come out in other sections of the media.
Thu 22
- Playing in the match for third place against home team in the 1st International U/20 Tournament in Viseu, Portugal, today Malta lost to the host team Portugal by two goals to nil.
Although not playing as well as they did against Ukraine, who later on were due to meet Poland in the final after beating Malta 1-0 on Tuesday, Mark Miller's team put quite a satisfactory performance. They were still in with a chance to save the game until the final minutes, after having conceded a goal in the 53rd minute.
But their hopes were dashed when they suffered a second goal a minute into injury time. During this match Miller took the opportunity to utilise all the players at his disposal.
Although the competition was reserved for the Under-20's, the Maltese squad was made up of players of a younger age-category.
- Three BOV Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Sliema Wanderers will be without Alex Muscat and Darren Debono who were sent off in the game against Valletta. They will be missing next Saturday's clash against Msida.
On the other hand, Valletta midfielder Massimo Grima was suspended after collecting four yellow cards. He is ruled out of the game against Pietà Hotspurs.
Meanwhile Darren Grech of First Division side Senglea Athletic was suspended for two matches.
William Borg (Mellieha), Michael Ciappara (Birzebbuga St. Peter's) and David Falzon (Sta. Venera Lightenings) were suspended for one match.
- The President of the Malta Football Association Dr Joe Mifsud issued a statement as the MFA joins FIFA in celebrating the concept of Fair Play next weekend.
Once again, FIFA invited football associations around the world to join the celebrations between September 21 and 25.
The Malta Football Association will be celebrating these Fair Play Days in all matches being played at the National Stadium, Centenary Stadium, Victor Tedesco Stadium and the Pace/Grasso Ground on September 24 and 25.
The MFA president appeals for the practice of fair play by players, coaches, referees, officials, media and supporters as the concept of Fair Play is essential in the development of the game of football.
Although the concept of Fair Play is not new, it is important to emphasise this on those related in one way or another to this beautiful game.
Dr Mifsud concludes by saying "I am sure those who really love the game will join me and the other members of the Council of the Malta Football Association in condemning all that goes against the concept of Fair Play in football while doing our part so that Fair Play is the highlight of our game."
Wed 21
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 1-1
- First Division Mqabba vs Lija A. 3-1, St. Patrick vs San Gwann 0-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Xghajra T. vs Kirkop U. 1-0, Fgura U. vs Attard 2-3, Ghaxaq vs Melita 1-1, Zurrieq vs Gharghur 0-1
- Women's League Rabat A. vs Sta. Venera L. 1-5, Hibernians vs Qormi 20-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 1-2
Tue 20
- The committee of Senglea Athletic issued a statement to deplore the behaviour of a section of the supporters during the BOV First Division match between Senglea Athletic and Naxxar Lions.
Senglea Athletic condemned the comments being made with respect to a number of committee members, the coach and the players.
The club appealed to supporters not to commit similar mistakes in the coming matches and avoid similar embarrassing situations for the club.
Meanwhile secretary Daniel Genovese handed his resignation on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to president Mr Michael Mercieca, he informed him of his decision which was taken after the BOV First Division match against Naxxar Lions which ended in a 3-2 defeat for Senglea.
"It's a pity that committee members become the target for supporters of their own club. I had never imagined that I had to be escorted by police due to how the situation degenerated," said Genovese.
"Although we lost the game, those who criticized were quite unfair as the game was quite entertaining despite we ended on the losing end. I'm sure the players and coach all did their best. But still, we as committee members ended up threatened while being the target of vulgar language from our supporters."
Genovese challenged those who criticised him to take up his position in the committee in order to reach the target which they felt he was not able to reach.
Senglea Athletic registered a narrow 1-0 win over St. Andrews in their first outing, losing to Naxxar Lions on Sunday. Their next game is against rivals St. George's in the Cottonera derby next Saturday.
- The Malta Under-20 national team lost to a strong Ukraine side through a solitary goal scored in the 55th minute to lose out to a place in next Thursday's final of the 1st 1st International Under-20 Tournament in Viseu, Portugal.
Ukraine are the same team which finished third in last year's UEFA Under-19 Championship.
The young Maltese, who were more than a year younger than their Ukraine counterparts, played a very good tactical match. They also had their ample share of chances including a fine strike by defender Edmond Agius which hit the post with the goalkeeper well beaten. The Ukrainian played the last half-hour with ten men when the Referee sent a player off for a foul.
Mark Miller's side had a golden opportunity to equalise in the dying seconds when they were awarded a penalty when striker Dyson Falzon was fouled in the box in injury time but skipper Andre Agius's penalty kick was ably saved by the Ukrainian custodian.
Malta will play for the third and fourth place on Thursday against the loser of the other match between Poland and Portugal
- Two BOV Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Reuben Debono and Msida St. Joseph midfielder Paul Fenech who were sent off in Sunday's BOV Premier League clash between Msida and Marsaxlokk.
Debono will be missing the next game against Floriana on Wednesday while Fenech is ruled out of the game against Sliema on Saturday.
Mon 19
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Birzebbuga SP vs Balzan Y. 0-0, Qormi vs Sta. Venera L. 1-0
- The Ursuline Creche in Gwardamangia has benefited from a cash donation which the first BOV Player of the Month, Cleavan Frendo, presented to Sr. Assunta Cassar immediately after receiving the BOV Player of the month trophy.
The presentation of the BOV Player of the Month trophy to Cleaven Frendo was made by Charles Borg, Executive Head, CEO's Office at Bank of Valletta during a visit to the Ursuline Creche in Gwardamangia. Also present was Mr. Ludovico Micallef, Vice-President of the Malta Football Association.
Charles Borg presented Cleavan Frendo with an original trophy which was designed by BOV. He explained that the trophy featured a replica of the official match ball of the BOV Premier League made of glazed ceramic. The logos of the Malta Football Association and of the BOV Premier League are hand painted on the ball which, in turn is placed on a base of solid glass.
Mr. Borg explained that when the Bank was discussing the Player of the Month competition with the MFA, it had asked for this competition to be linked to a social and philanthropic cause. "BOV had proposed that it presents a trophy to the winner of the BOV Player of the Month and then asks the player to select a local charity to benefit from a donation that the Bank will make on a monthly basis and that will be presented by the BOV Player of the Month during the presentation of the trophy", said Mr. Borg. "We are pleased that Cleavan Frendo has chosen the Ursuline Creche to benefit from this donation especially considering the most valuable work that this institution performs amongst children who have social problems and who are most in need", concluded Mr. Borg.
Cleavan Frendo is the midfielder-cum-forward of Marsaxlokk F.C. He totalled the highest number of points in the matches played by all the teams during the month of August.
Signed from Pieta Hotspurs before the January 2005 transfer window closed last season, the 22-year-old player has lived up to his promise with his new team, scoring goals as well as making them for the others. The player's goals in the league and early season form immediately hit the headlines as he helped Marsaxlokk off to a brisk start to their championship campaign.
Sun 18
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk 1-1, Birkirkara vs Pietà H. 4-1
- First Division Tarxien R. vs Marsa 2-3, St. George's vs St. Andrews 1-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kalkara vs Ta' Xbiex 1-1, Zebbug R. vs Vittoriosa S. 3-1, Rabat A. vs Santa Lucia 0-3, Dingli S. vs Mellieha 1-1
- Gozo - Independence Cup Xewkija T. vs Nadur Y. 1-2, Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 0-1
- Due to the Malta Under-20 national team commitments in a tournament in Portugal, a number of changes in the fixtures of the BOV Premier League and the Youth League Section A were necessary.
The BOV Premier League match Hamrun Spartans vs Mosta, scheduled for Wednesday September 21 has been postponed to Wednesday 28, kick-off at 18:30.
Hibernians vs Birkirkara has been postponed from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 at 19:30.
Sliema Wanderers vs Msida St. Joseph, scheduled for Saturday 24 will kick-off at 17:00 and not 16:00.
All these matches will be played at the National Stadium.
Meanwhile the Youth League Section A match Floriana vs Pieta' Hotspurs, scheduled for Thursday 22 have been postponed to a date which will be announced at a later stage.
Sat 17
- Premier League Mosta vs Hibernians 0-3, Floriana vs Hamrun S. 1-3
- First Division Lija A. vs St. Patrick 2-2, Senglea A. vs Naxxar L. 2-3
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Siggiewi vs Mgarr U. 0-5, Gzira U. vs Gudja U. 0-0
- The Malta Under-20 national team will be taking part in an international tournament which will be held in Viseu, Portugal between September 20 and 22.
Malta plays the first game against Ukraine on Tuesday 20 and then against Portugal or Poland on Thursday 22.
The players selected by coach Mark Miller and his assistant Edwin Camilleri are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema) and Miguel Montfort (Valletta);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Brendon Bonnici (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Jonathan Pearson (Hibernians), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Joel Sammut Vazquez (Birkirkara), Joseph Vassallo (Melita);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Anthony Vassallo (Birkirkara) and Dylan Zarb (Valletta).
The squad leaves Malta on Sunday.
Fri 16
- Premier League Valletta vs Sliema W. 1-3
- Damages caused by Croatian supporters at the end of the World Cup qualifier between Malta and Croatia on September 7 are estimated to be in the range Lm 8,000 - Lm 10,000.
This was revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during the meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
The FIFA Commissioner sent a report to the FIFA and the world body wrote to both the Malta and Croatia Football Associations prior to opening an enquiry. In the letter, it stated that 695 seats ripped off, of which 675 were from the sector where the Croatians were. It said that the incidents were perpetrated by the visiting supporters as they hurled seats and metal bars over the iron fence towards the VIP area where MFA, Croatian Officials and other Maltese were sitting. Most of the 103 Croatians who were arraigned in court the following day admitted to all the charges brought against them.
A number of police officers had tried to calm down the situation before more officers were called to assist them. FIFA stated that some seats were also seen being thrown back from the sector where the Maltese were.
The MFA wrote back to FIFA, giving its version of what happened, including copies of apologetic letters from the Croatian Federation and Croatian Government authorities over the incidents. The MFA said that security measures were taken prior to the match in the wake of what the Croatian FA Official said at a routine security meeting prior to the game. He had stated that precautions had to be taken to prevent any possible invasion of the pitch by the Croatians to greet their team.
It was stated that the police did not react to the provocation, beyond trying to calm down the Croatians. People in the VIP also behaved responsibly.
The MFA and police officials intervened to evacuate innocent Croatian spectators out of the Stadium and provide them with a safe journey to the airport. This after the Croatian offenders were segregated in their sector. Gates leading out of this sector had been closed all the time, before, during and after the match. At no point was there any retaliation by the police and the Maltese supporters.
Finally the MFA requested FIFA to acquit them of any responsibility for what happened.
Meanwhile during the recent FIFA Congress in Marrakech, the President and Secretary of the Croatian FA again admitted that their supporters were responsible for the incidents and promised to compensate the Malta Football Association.
- A veterans' match between former players of the Malta national team and former England national team players has been called off as the sponsor thanks to whom the England players were due to travel to Malta withdrew his support.
The match which was due to be played on September 26 and was due to form part of the celebrations of Battle for Malta Veterans' Reunion.
A number of former national team players had been preparing for this match under the guidance of national coach Horst Heese.
Thu 15
- Mosta Youth Nursery is accepting applications for children aged between 5 and 12 for the forthcoming season 2005-2006.
Nursery Officials will be present at the ground's office from Monday to Friday between 17:30 and 19:00 and on Saturday between 9:00 and 11:00.
A parents' meeting will start the season for the age groups between 5 and 12 and it will be held on Wednesday 21st September 2005 at the Local Council Hall at 09:30. It is important that all parents attend for such meeting.
Wed 14
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gharghur vs Luqa SA 3-2, Attard vs Pembroke A. 0-0
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday.
The four players are Mohamed Adama Diao (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Udochukwu Nwoko (Mosta) and Rennie Forace (Valletta).
Forace will not be available for next Friday's clash with Sliema Wanderers. Nwoko will be missing the game against his former club Hibernians on Saturday. Diao will be out for the Greens in the game against Hamrun Spartans. On the other hand, Schembri will be missing the game against Msida St. Joseph on Sunday.
Other players to be suspended were Clint Caruana (Senglea) in Division 1, Stefan Cauchi (Balzan), Wayne Mallia (Sta. Venera), Keith Farrugia (Zebbug) in the Second & Third Division Knock-Out. Joseph Lia of Zurrieq was suspended for two matches.
Tue 13
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Zejtun C. 6-1, Melita vs Sirens 1-1
- New revised fixtures for the Women's League had to be published following the withdrawal of Sliema Wanderers from the competition.
The league which was due to kick-off on September 18 will now start off on September 21.
Eight teams will therefore take part - Birkirkara, Hibernians, Melita, Mosta, Raiders, Rabat Ajax, Sta. Venera Lightenings and newcomers Qormi.
Sliema Wanderers were going to take part for the first time in the competition.
Mon 12
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Dingli S. vs Ta' Xbiex 6-0, Sta. Lucia vs Qormi 0-4
Sun 11
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Mosta 3-3, Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 2-3
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Tarxien R. 1-2, St. Andrews vs Senglea A. 0-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Siggiewi vs Vittoriosa S. 0-3, Gudja U. vs Xghajra T. 6-0, Rabat A. vs Sta. Venera L. 3-1, Mellieha vs Kalkara 7-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup SK Victoria W. vs Ghajnsielem 2-3 aet, Victoria H. vs Kercem A. 0-2
- The Mellieha SC squad for season 2005/2006 was officially presented during an evening at Munchies Lido in Golden Bay.
The new squad features coach Ilir Pelinku who returns with the club from Lija Athletics and after starting his coaching career with the club during season 2002/03.
Ibrahim Tarik joins Mellieha from Hamrun Spartans while local boys William Borg from Rabat Ajax and Wayne Buttigieg join them from Rabat Ajax and Hibernians respectively. Joseph Catania arrives from Pietà Hotspurs. Complimenting the squad are some youngsters who made the grade to the senior squad after coming through the youth nursery.
On the other hand the club released Gordon Naudi to seek a new club whilst Adrian Galea's mid-season loan deal expired. Luke Cauchi temporarily suspended his football commitments to continue with his studies abroad.
Sat 10
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Floriana 4-2, Hibernians vs Hamrun S. 1-0
- First Division Marsa vs Mqabba 2-0, San Gwann vs St. George's 1-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mgarr U. vs Zebbug R. 1-4, Gzira U. vs Kirkop U. 2-1
- Gozo - Independence Cup Qala SJ vs Nadur Y. 3-7
- The Malta Football Association issued a statement to thank the Maltese fans for their support and condemn the incidents caused by a number of Croatian supporters.
"The Malta Football Association would like to show its appreciation to the Maltese supporters present at Ta' Qali National Stadium for the World Cup Germany 2006 Qualifying Group match between Malta and Croatia on Wednesday 7th September 2005. Their wholehearted support and their exemplary behaviour during and after the match were commendable. The constant backing helped Malta obtain a memorable result against strong opponents."
"Meanwhile the Association strongly deplores the incidents perpetrated by a group of Croatian supporters who vented their feelings in a shameful way towards the end of the match and after the final whistle. In those incidents a number of people, including MFA Officials, were injured and considerable damage was caused at the National Stadium."
"The Association would like to thank the Commissioner of Police, the Superintendent in charge and the other members of the Police Force, for their effective intervention."
Fri 9
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A. vs Fgura U. 4-1, Luqa SA vs Zurrieq 0-2
- Kristian Galea of Sirens was suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Thu 8
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kalkara vs Dingli S. 1-6, Sta. Venera L. vs Sta. Lucia 2-1, Sirens vs Ghaxaq 1-0, Zejtun C. vs Birzebbuga SP 2-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Victoria H. vs St. Lawrence S. 1-1 aet (4-2 pen), Sannat L. vs Xewkija T. 2-2 aet (4-5 pen)
- One hundred and three Croatians, aged between 17 and 50, were arraigned in Court in front of Magistrate Dr Jaqcueline Padovani Grima following the incidents which took place at the National Stadium at the end of the Group 8 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Malta and Croatia.
A group of more violent supporters started throwing seats in the direction of the VIP area. A wooden door and metal objects were also thrown in the same direction. Two Croatian hooligans also tried to force open the gate which separates the West Stand C and the VIP area with a pole. The Croatians also surrounded the few police officers present in their stand hitting them violently.
Out of the 103 Croatians who were arraigned in Court, 96 pleaded guilty to eleven charges including hitting police officers, damaging property, using abusive language and abusive behaviour.
94 were given a seven-month prison sentence suspended for two years while two minors were given a five-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years. These will be flown to Zagreb during the day
Seven pleaded innocent and were granted bail on the condition that they do not leave the island, report twice at the police station and do not leave their place of residence after 10pm.
The incidents also caught the international headlines. Reuters quote a report by Croatian daily Jutarnji List.
"The visit to Malta was a huge shame not only in terms of the final result, but also because of the hooligans, disguised as supporters, who decided to vent their frustration on the stands after the game."
The reports goes on to say, "Besides dimming our prospects for qualifying directly for the World Cup finals, Croatia's chances to stage the European Championship in 2012 were also diminished greatly."
Croatian news agency Hina said Maltese police had arrested up to 90 Croats after they started ripping up seats and clashed with police. However it has now been confirmed that 103 have been arrested and were arraigned in Court on Thursday at noon.
Another Croatian daily carried this headline: "Croat shame on Malta"
According to Reuters, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader condemned the behaviour of the Croatian fans and Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic expressed regrets to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Frendo.
It is now believed that Croatian police have asked Malta for a detailed report on the behaviour of travelling fans.
JadranSport said "Croatian vandals arrested in Malta - the final toll of Malta vs Croatia 1-1 draw aftermath, dozen injured, 40 arrested"
"The Croatian "fans" started breaking seats and throwing them at the field and the VIP boxes as a result of what one Malta's government official and the Football Association vice-president got injured alongside a great number of normal people who came just to watch some football."
"The small number of police present in the VIP boxes answered to these "attacks" by throwing the seats back at the hooligans but the peace was restored only after special forces came in."
"Croatia is well known for their "passionate" fans in all sports, but this should be a final warning to the police department of this Former Yugoslav Republic to identify the vandals and forbid them from attending sport events," concludes JadranSport.
Eurosport also reported that "The match was overshadowed by crowd trouble as a group of Croatia fans vented their frustration at their team's disappointing outing by ripping up seats and hurling them towards home fans and police officers."
- Marsaxlokk Football Club will be organizing an open 5-a-side Football Tournament at St Martin`s College in Swatar on Sunday 9th October.
The tournament kicks-off at 09:30 and trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Those interested in taking part should contact Mark Sciriha on phone number 79704572 by not later than the 25th September 2005. For rules and application form, please visit www.marsaxlokkfc.com
Wed 7
- World Cup Malta vs Croatia 1-1
- Spectators watching the national team earn a prestigious 1-1 draw with Croatia were stunned as Croatian hooligans retorted to violence as they saw their side losing two important points in their bid to win Group 8 and make it to the World Cup finals.
The few police officers present at Ta' Qali were unable to cope with a situation where a number of Croatian supporters threw scores of seats in the direction of the VIP area.
There were around five hundred Croatian supporters at Ta' Qali.
The lack of police officers was evident even before the match had actually started when a handful of Croatians were jumping over the fence in order to hang flags and banners.
The Croatian supporters encouraged their players continuously throughout the game, especially after Niko Kranjacar put them ahead on 19 minutes. However Stephen Wellman's brilliant direct freekick cancelled their lead to level the score for Malta.
The visitors could not believe they were about to drop two important points and in stoppage time, a group of more violent supporters started throwing seats in the direction of the VIP area and the VVIP area. A wooden door and metal objects were also thrown in the same direction. Two Croatian hooligans also tried to force open the gate which separates the West Stand C and the VIP area with a pole.
The Croatians also surrounded the few police officers present in their stand hitting them violently.
More police officers and Special Assignment Group officers arrived and as the situation started to calm down, around 45 minutes later, the first set of Croatian supporters - women and children and then the members of the Croatian Under-21 squad - were escorted out of the stadium.
99 Croatian hooligans who were identified as the culprits were taken to the Police Headquarters for further investigations. On the other hand, the other supporters were escorted to the Malta International Airport where they were due to leave.
A number of Maltese suffered slight injuries. Among these were sixteen police officers including Superintendent Pio Pisani; Minister Censu Galea and MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef. Seventy were in fact hospitalised. Three Croatian supporters were also taken to hospital.
Tue 6
- UEFA Under-21 Malta vs Croatia 0-1
A goal after just 49 seconds gave Croatia a narrow 1-0 win in a match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round on Tuesday.
Tomislav Busic advanced all alone on the left flank in a swift counter-attack, slotting the ball past Reuben Gauci.
It was a balanced affair with the two teams sharing the exchanges throughout the 90 minutes.
Malta had two changes from the team which lost 2-0 to Hungary as Trevor Cilia and Christian Cassar replaced Andre Schembri and Roderick Bajada.
After suffering the goal, Malta's reaction consisted of a fine Frendo effort on 4 minutes.
On 13 minutes, a good move between Busic, Cale and Edoardo Da Silva, Da Silva's diagonal shot was tipped into a corner by the Maltese custodian.
Frendo went close for Malta with a solo effort on 19 minutes. Six minutes from the end of the first half, Shaun Bajada served Cleaven Frendo whose shot from close range was blocked by goalkeeper Tomislav Vranjic into a corner.
In the second half, the best chance occurred to Malta when off a Cohen freekick from the left, Alex Muscat hit just wide.
- FIFA Women's World Cup Malta vs Croatia 1-4
The women's national team started its adventure in the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers with a 1-4 defeat to Croatia.
The score is rather harsh on the Maltese side considering the performance of Pierre Brincat's girls. For long stretches, the locals shared the exchanges with a definitely more experienced side.
Missing for Malta were Dionne Tonna and Sarah Caruana. The latter had scored the only goal in a similar 1-4 defeat to Croatia at the Gozo Stadium in 2003.
The visitors took the lead after just five minutes when Violeta Baban received a pass just outside the area, standing in a dubious offside position. She entered the penalty area, rounding Malta goalkeeper Tonina Dimech, placing the ball at the back of the net.
Malta replied with a good header by Natasha Pace but on the tenth minute, Malta levelled the score when off a corner from the right by Dorianne Theuma, Rebecca D' Agostino headed home.
Croatia regained the lead on 25 minutes when off a cross from the right, Paskvalina Gabric had a first effort blocked by Dimech. She regained possession and managed to hit home with a low shot.
Two minutes later, Jane Coates brought the best out of goalkeeper Ines Basic with a fine freekick which was turned into a corner.
The visitors scored the third goal on 31 minutes. Following a cross from the left, Tatjana Solaja hit the crossbar with a header and off the rebound, she once again received the ball, this time, planting it at the back of the net.
Gabric was unlucky to hit the foot of the upright with a solo effort on 36 minutes.
The second half was a balanced affair with the Maltese defence controlling well their opponents. The best chance occurred to Gabric on 74 minutes but Dimech performed a fine save on the Croatian striker.
Three minutes in stoppage time, Dimech turned into a corner a fine effort by Solaja but from the resulting corner, substitute Marina Koljenik headed home to make it 4-1.
- Valletta midfielder Gilbert Agius is set to return for Malta as the national team hosts Croatia in a match from Group 8 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying round on Wednesday, kick-off at 18:45.
Agius had missed the trip to Hungary as he was serving a one-match ban. Agius is expected to replace Massimo Grima in the starting line-up.
This should be the only change from the team which lost to Hungary 4-0 on Saturday.
The starting line-up is therefore expected to be: Justin Haber, Roderick Briffa, Stephen Wellman, Kenneth Scicluna, Brian Said, Peter Pullicino, Gilbert Agius, Claude Mattocks, Ivan Woods, Andrew Cohen, Orosco Anonam.
Croatian coach Zlatko Kranjcar, on the other hand, was forced to make two changes from the team which defeated Iceland 2-1 in Reykjavik. Igor Tudor and Robert Kovac picked a yellow card on Saturday and are therefore suspended after receiving another yellow card in the game against Bulgaria in June.
The starting line-up is now expected to be: Stipe Pletikosa, Mario Tokic, Josip Simunic, Dario Simic, Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Niko Kranjcar, Marko Babic, Anthony Seric, Dado Prso, Bosko Balaban.
Croatia need the three points to stay on top Group 8. They lead the table with 19 points, one ahead of Sweden who play Hungary in Budapest on Wednesday as well. Croatia and Sweden face each other next month in what should be a decisive game for winning the group.
This will be the fourth clash between Malta and Croatia. In the qualifying campaign for the EURO 2000, Croatia won 4-1 at Ta' Qali in October 1998 and 2-1 in Zagreb in August 1999. Last March, Croatia defeated Malta 3-0 in Zagreb, a brace by Dado Prso on 24 and 35 minutes and a goal by Igor Tudor ten minutes from time.
Match Officials are from the FA of Greece: referee Athanassios Briakos; assistant referees Kostantinos Dalas and Simson Tsolokidis and fourth official Ioannis Tsachelidis.
Mon 5
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Ta' Xbiex vs Mellieha 1-6, Qormi vs Rabat A. 0-1
- Under-21 coach Mark Miller will have to make at least one change in the starting line-up as Malta hosts Croatia in another match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship on Tuesday, kick-off at 19:00.
Last Friday, in Malta's 2-0 defeat to Hungary, Roderick Bajada and Nicolò Baldacchino both picked yellow cards and are therefore ruled out through suspension. Two players were drafted into the squad: Msida defender Josef Mifsud and Hibernians midfielder Ben Camilleri.
Croatia are the leaders in Group 8 with 18 points from seven matches. They are three points ahead of Sweden and Bulgaria, who are joint-second. Last Friday, they defeated Iceland 2-1 in Reykjavik.
Malta, on the other hand, lie at the bottom of the table with four points from eight matches - the only points obtained in a 1-0 win over Iceland at Ta' Qali and a goalless draw in Reykjavik.
Malta faced Croatia in March with Josip Tadic's second-half goal giving Slaven Bilic's side the three points.
The Maltese squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Kris Calleja (Mqabba), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara), Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Ben Camilleri (Hibernians), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Match Officials are from the FA of Luxembourg: referee Luc Wilmes, assistant referees Luc Nober and Christian Holtgen and fourth official Christian Holtgen.
- The women's national team starts its second adventure in an international competition as Pierre Brincat's girls host Croatia in a match from the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 16:00.
This will be the third time, Malta faces Croatia. In the Women's Championship qualifiers, Malta had lost 3-0 in Zagreb in September 2003 and two months later, Malta lost 1-4 at the Gozo Stadium. Sarah Caruana had scored the only goal for Malta.
Tuesday's game will therefore be another difficult test for the Maltese side which is not used to playing on a turf pitch. In fact, league matches are played on the hard ground of Pace Grasso.
The team has been training since July and since then they only played a couple of matches against the youth national teams. The Women's League is yet to start.
Since the last campaign, Malta lost Michelle Grech who moved back to Australia. Dionne Tonna is currently abroad while Francesca Busuttil Griffin is also ruled out.
The players selected by Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit are:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Rita Tagliaferro (Hibernians);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Rebecca D' Agostino (Birkirkara), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibernians), Isabelle Mazzitelli (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara), Anne Marie Vella (Mosta);
midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Jane Coates (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Roxanne Gatt (Mosta), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians);
forwards Ylenia Carabott (Hibernians), Sarah Caruana (Hibernians).
Match Officials are from the FA of Spain: referee Nuria Gavilan Gralla and assistant referees Yolanda Parga Rodriguez and Maria Jose Tunas Pena. The fourth official is Maltese referee Esther Farrugia.
- Joe Micallef is the coach of Sta. Lucia. Micallef, who is in possession of a UEFA A Coaching Licence, has coached various clubs in the past including Marsa, Gharghur, Senglea Athletic, Tarxien Rainbows, and St. Andrews. More recently he was the Head Coach of the Valletta FC and Hamrun Spartans nurseries respectively.
Joe Micallef will be assisted by Charles Micallef, better known as "it-Tully". A former international player, Micallef played for Zurrieq, Mqabba, Floriana and Valletta.
In the mean time, Net Stars Futsal, who promoted from Division 3 to Division 2 in the Futsal League, have appointed Charles Borg as the new coach. Borg holds a UEFA B Licence and coached Qormi two years ago. He is currently one of the coaches of the Juventus Soccer Academy in Malta.
Sun 4
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Xghajra T. vs Gzira U. 1-3, Zebbug R. vs Siggiewi 5-2, Kirkop U. vs Gudja U. 0-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Mgarr U. 2-1
- GFA - Independence Cup SK Victoria W. vs Oratory Y. 0-0 (5-3 pen), Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 0-3
- Igor Tudor and Robert Kovac missed the trip to Malta as they gave been suspended for one match after picking a yellow card on Saturday in the game against Iceland.
Tudor, a Juventus player currently on loan with Siena, and Juve defender Kovac had picked another yellow card in the game against Bulgaria in June.
On Saturday, Croatia recovered from a goal behind to claim a 3-1 victory over Iceland which keeps them one point ahead of Sweden in Group 8.
Bosko Balaban of Club Brugge scored twice on 56 and 61 minutes and Dario Srna sealed the issue with a penalty eight minutes from time.
- The Sirens FCYN committee welcomes interested boys and girls, born between the year 2000 (Under-5) and the year 1989 (Under-16) to enroll within the nursery.
This winter take this unique opportunity to meet new friends, enhance self-confidence, work within a team and develop strong social skills and a positive attitude towards life.
You can learn through many fun-games, not only football. Our qualified and dedicated coaches follow an organized programme that they adapt according to the group's and individual needs.
Mr Lino Camilleri is available at the Training Grounds, Mondays to Fridays between 4pm and 8pm to register and enrol interested youths.
For further information, please contact the nursery administrator, Mr Edmund Mifsud on 99010488 or 79064296
Sat 3
- World Cup Hungary vs Malta 4-0
- GFA - Independence Cup Sannat L. vs Zebbug R. 3-0, Gharb R. vs Qala SJ 0-3
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organizing another Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) Course at Ta' Qali Technical Centre on two days, the 8th and 9th October 2005.
Application forms are available from the Technical Centre, Ta' Qali, during office hours. Closing date for applications will be Friday 30th September 2005.
Applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Fri 2
- UEFA Under-21 Hungary vs Malta 2-0
Two first-half goals gave Hungary a 2-0 win over Malta in a match from the qualifying round of the UEFA Under 21 Championship at the Illovszky Stadium in Budapest. This defeat leaves Malta at the bottom of the table in Group 8 with four points from eight matches.
Peter Mate put the Hungarians ahead on 28 minutes and Tibor Tisza doubled the score three minutes from the end of the first half.
- Malta will be hoping to build up on a positive performance in a friendly last month against Northern Ireland as the national team meets Hungary in a match from the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying round at the Ferenc Puskás Stadium in Budapest on Saturday, kick-off at 20:45.
After playing seven matches, Malta lies at the bottom of the table with just one point. Hungary, on the other hand, collected ten points from six matches.
The team managed by Lothar Matthaus registered a 3-2 win over Iceland in Budapest and two wins away from home - 2-0 in Malta and 3-2 against Iceland in Reykjavik. The other point was obtained in a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Budapest.
Malta could not field its best formation with players like Luke Dimech, Michael Mifsud, Gilbert Agius, all ruled out. Mifsud and Barbara are both injured while Gilbert Agius serves a one-match ban after collecting a second yellow card against Iceland. On the other hand,Luke Dimech opted to stay in England to play for his club, Chester City.
From the team which drew with Northern Ireland, national coach Horst Heese is expected to make two changes. After making his international debut last month, Kenneth Scicluna is expected to fill the void left by Luke Dimech while Massimo Grima should replace Gilbert Agius in midfield.
The starting line-up is therefore set to be: Justin Haber, Peter Pullicino, Steve Wellman, Roderick Briffa, Brian Said, Kenneth Scicluna, Massimo Grima, Claude Mattocks, Andrew Cohen, Ivan Woods, Orosco Anonam.
This will be the seventh clash between Malta and Hungary. The first two matches ended in two defeats - 0-2 at the Gzira Stadium in November 1971 and 3-0 in Budapest in May 1972. Malta then obtained two positive results in the qualifiers leading to the Italia '90 World Cup. Carmel Busuttil scored twice in the 2-2 draw at Ta' Qali in December 1988. In April 1989, Malta held Hungary in a 1-1 draw in Budapest with Busuttil once again scoring Malta's goal.
Last November, Hungary won 2-0, goals by Zoltan Gera on 39 minutes and Peter Kovacs on 93 minutes.
The match will be controlled by officials from the FA of Ukraine - referee Vitaliy Godulyan, assistant referees Vasyl Olshanetskyy and Andriy Pryimak and fourth offial Igorj Ishchenko.
Thu 1
- Cleaven Frendo is the first winner of 'The BOV Player of the Month Award' this season. The Marsaxlokk midfielder-cum-forward totalled the highest number of points in the matches played by all the teams during the month of August.
Signed from Pietà Hotspurs last season, during the January transfer, the 22-year-old Frendo has lived up to his promise with his new team, scoring goals as well as making them for the others.
His speed off the mark and his high work-rate have made him an automatic choice for the Under-21 side, apart from having been capped for Malta's senior squad. He has already featured twice on the Under-21 goalscorers' list.
This players' goals in the league and early season form immediately hit the headlines as he helped Marsaxlokk off to a brisk start to their championship campaign.
- The Malta Under-21 side will be hoping for a good performance and hopefully a positive result as the team faces Hungary at the Illovszky Stadium in Budapest, kick-off at 19:00.
Despite a 1-0 win over Iceland at Ta' Qali and a goalless draw in Reykjavik in this UEFA Under-21 Championship campaign, Malta still lies at the bottom of the table with four points from seven matches.
The Hungarians are joint-second in Group 8 together with Sweden with 12 points from six matches. They registered home wins over Iceland and Bulgaria and away wins over Malta and Iceland.
At the Gozo Stadium, last November, the Hungarians had registered a 2-0 win. An own goal by Shaun Bajada on 28 minutes and a goal by Tibor Tisza nine minutes later gave the Hungarians the three points.
For this game, Under-21 coach Mark Miller cannot count on Shawn Tellus and Dyson Falzon. Miller is expected to include goalkeeper Reuben Gauci in the starting line-up, although he also forms part of the senior squad.
The line-up should therefore be: Reuben Gauci, Alex Muscat, Shaun Bajada, Roderick Bajada, Ryan Mintoff, Gareth Sciberras, Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Paul Fenech, Cleaven Frendo, Andre Schembri.
The match will be controlled by Albanian referee Albano Janku.
- The Futsal League 2005/2006 kicks-off on October 10 with the first matches from the First Division and the Third Division.
Sixty-four teams are taking part - seven each in sections A and B of Divisions 1 and 2 and six teams in each of the five sections of Division 3.
First and Second Division matches will be played at the Corradino Pavilion while Third Division matches will be played at the artificial pitches in Floriana, Zabbar, Gudja and Zebbug together with the Corradino Pavilion.
- Fgura Tournament - Final Marsa vs Senglea A. 3-2
The sixth edition of edition of the Fgura United Magi Arredamenti Pre-Season Tournament came to a thrilling end with a stunning match between the two hot favourites of the tournament.
Marsa edged Senglea Athletic to a 3-2 victory in this two first division sides. In front of a sizeable crowd at the Corradino Hockey Centre, we saw what the first division will have in store this season.
The match controlled by the authoritative Paul Caruana assisted by Fyodor Zammit and Trustin Farrugia Cann saw Senglea showing the best ideas in the first half and had a Jason Borg saved off the line in the 21st minute. They went ahead on 37 minutes when from a corner Edon Bobolayefa netted from close range. Three minutes from halftime McKay floored the pocket dynamite Martin and the experienced Nikolai Slavtchev converted the penalty.
In a splendid second half, Marsa went ahead on the 62nd minute thanks to Gilbert Martin solo effort who in a fast break lobbed over keeper Attard and putted the ball home. Senglea forced for the equaliser and had a Clint Caruana shot cleared off the line and other attempts by Gera who missed the target.
Marsa kept their composure and scored again on the break ten minutes from time sub Stephen Meilak scored through the legs of the onrushing Attard.
Senglea did not loose heart and had the opportunity to reduce the arrears when Slavtchev fouled Gera in the box. From the resulting penalty, Casha produced a fine save from Darren Grech's try. Three minutes from time, Bobolayefa scored from close range and Senglea could have saved the match when six minutes on time a Gera shot hit the upright.
- Dingli Tournament - Final 3rd/4th St. Patrick vs Luqa SA 1-3