April 2007
Mon 30
- Third Division Qrendi vs Kirkop U. 1-1, Ta' Xbiex vs Fgura U. 1-9
- Gozo - GFA Cup Final Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H. 2-0
- Malta’s group stage commitments in the “Torneo del Mediterraneo” came to an end with another positive result and performance. In what was hailed as the best and most entertaining match of the tournament so far, the Maltese faced top Serie C1 side Ficarazzi 2000. The Italians were clear favourites, having won both their previous encounters convincingly.
A very tight and tactical first half saw both teams failing to score, despite a number of good opportunities. Both sides stepped up their game in the second half. Ficarazzi took the lead with a textbook counter-attacking strike. The Maltese reacted well, equalising within seconds, Paul Bugeja beating the Italian keeper with a well-taken right-footed shot. The following minutes saw Ficarazzi threaten to score on a number of occasions. However, an impressive Bjorn Vassallo in goal had other ideas as he frustrated Malta’s opponents with a number of extraordinary saves, earning the Maltese a valuable point which ensured qualification to the semi-finals.
On Saturday, it was another historic day for Maltese football, as the Futsal national team registered its first ever win in a competitive match. Under the guidance of Czech coach Michal Striz, the Maltese had an impressive debut in the “Torneo del Mediterraneo”.
After a shaky start, Malta went 1-0 up thanks to a goal by Noel Bray against Polisportiva Universal Misterbianco. The Sicilians were quick to equalise. However, a much improved Malta side stepped up their game and dominated play in the second half, goals from Tyron Borg (2), John Cutajar and Nebojsa Mijailovic leading to a deserved 5-1 victory.
Malta’s next opponents were Rappresentativa Emilia Romagna. After going 1-0 down early on in the match, the Maltese fought back to lead 3-1 with goals from Noel Bray, Tyron Borg, and John Cutajar. However, a series of controversial refereeing decisions and what was widely regarded as an excessive amount of stoppage time saw the Italians come from behind to equalise in the dying seconds, frustrating the Maltese who had been on the brink of confirming qualification from the group stages.
The semi-finals will be played on Monday 30th April at 19.30hrs
Sun 29
- Premier League Valletta vs Hibernians 3-1, Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk 0-4
- First Division Qormi vs Hamrun S. 1-4, San Gwann vs St. Patrick 2-4
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Gozo 5-3, Zebbug R. vs Mellieha 2-2
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Gzira U. 1-1, Mgarr U. vs Xghajra T. 2-0
- Marsaxlokk FC won their first ever BOV Premier League championship after Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Marsaxlokk were only a Second Division club six years ago but after winning the championship that season with Victor Sciriha as president, they won promotion to the Premier League for the first time as First Division champions in season 2001/02.
Since then, their best achievement was reaching the final of the FA Trophy in 2004. This earned them their first participation in the UEFA Cup. Their best league placing was last season's third place.
With twenty wins and three draws in twenty-five matches, Marsaxlokk were definitely the most consistent side this season. This included an impressive positive run of twenty-one matches without defeat between August and March. Under the guidance of Brian Talbot, who had already guided Hibernians to two successive championships in seasons 1993/94 and 1994/95, Marsaxlokk found the key to victory.
Unlike previous seasons when the Southseasiders were becoming synonymous with an intensive transfer campaign, there were only a few new arrivals this summer, namely Luke Dimech, Daniel Bogdanovic, Haruna Doda and Andre Rocha Da Silva. Another four players joined the club in January - Justin Haber, Peter Pullicino, Udo Nwoko and Samir Garci.
The Southseasiders can boast of no less than nine national team players in squad, namely Justin Haber, Gareth Sciberras, Stephen Wellman, Luke Dimech, Jamie Pace, Andre Schembri, Kevin Sammut, Peter Pullicino and Daniel Bogdanovic. Other players like Reuben Gauci, captain Carlo Mamo, Cleavon Frendo and Malcolm Licari are former members of the national team. This meant that Brian Talbot could afford leaving the foreign players on the bench for most of the time. They started the season with Haruna Doda and Andre Rocha Da Silva and following the latter's move to Hibernians, they signed Udo Nwoko and Samir Garci.
Besides these players, Charlo Magro was always a regular choice in the starting line-up. Reuben Debono, Shawn Tellus, Kevin Mamo, Shaun Bajada and Trevor Templeman also played some part in the Southseasiders' triumphant march.
The only disappointment was the fact that they were eliminated from the U*BET FA Trophy and therefore could not aim for the double. However the first particiation in the qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League this summer is definitely the cherry on the cake of a most successful season for Victor Sciriha's side.
- Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot said this first ever Premier League title for the club was the result of a collective effort by all those within the club. Talbot was addressing a press conference after the game against Msida which the Southseasiders won 4-0.
"It is always nice to be a winner. There are a lot of good players at the club but this success is definitely a collective effort - the coach, the players and all those within the club. It is really a nice feeling ... everybody's effort paid off," said Talbot.
Asked about his future, the English coach expressed his willingness at staying with the club.
Talbot, who had won two successive league championships with Hibernians between 1993 and 1995, revealed that when he was contacted by Mr Sciriha in May, they spoke about a two-year term.
"In May, we had agreed on a period of two years. When we will sit down to discuss the matter, hopefully it would be an enjoyable discussion," said the Marsaxlokk coach.
Victor Sciriha described Talbot as the club's main acquisition this summer.
"Besides the success he had already obtained in Malta with Hibernians, Talbot is a true professional. A coach who is able to fill his players with confidence," said Victor Sciriha.
Sciriha mentioned the example of Daniel Bogdanovic, saying that the English coach was able to give him the right stimulus to fight for the honour of top-scorer. The Yugoslav-born striker is just two goals away from the record established by Serbian striker Danilo Doncic.
Club president Mark Sciriha said that after this success, it was important to focus on what the Sciriha family managed to do for the club. Victor Sciriha took over as president seven years ago and eventually, other members of the family joined him in the club's administration.
Victor Sciriha said that eight years ago, Marsaxlokk players used to focus on their full-time job.
"I started to build bit by bit. The basis of the squad were the Under-21 internationals. Now with the players at the disposal of the club, the future looks bright for Marsaxlokk," concluded Victor Sciriha.
Captain Carlo Mamo, who used to play for Tarxien, Birkirkara and Sliema before joining Marsaxlokk, said he was really glad to win this major honour with the club.
"I have seen the team going through a number of changes since my arrival at the club. There are hardly six players left from that time. At last, we managed to get what we have been working hard for," said Mamo.
Sat 28
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Marsa 2-1, Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 1-1
- First Division Mosta vs Vittoriosa S. 1-2, Mqabba vs Senglea A. 1-3
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Balzan Y. 2-1, Lija A. vs Rabat A. 0-1
- The Malta National Futsal team registered a 5-1 win over Polisportiva Universal Misterbianco in a match from the Primo Torneo Internazionale di Calcio a 5 - Trofeo del Mediterraneo which is being held in Catania between the 28th April and 1st May.
Malta will be playing another two group matches on Sunday. In the morning, they will meet Rappresentativa Emilia Romagna and in the evening, they are facing Meta Service Ficarazzi 2000.
This is the first time that the Malta Futsal team is taking part in an overseas tournament.
The competition will be staged over preliminary rounds, followed by the semi-finals, third-place match and final.
The squad, under the charge of coach Michael Striz, is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Benny Gialanze, Bjorn Vassallo,
Players: Nicholas Bilocca, Tyron Borg, Noel Bray, Paul Bugeja, Roderick Caruana, John Cutajar, Timothy Ellis, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Jeanbert Gatt, Robert Magro, Roberto Micallef, Jonathan Sammut, Rene Sciberras.
Fri 27
- Third Division Mdina K. vs Ghaxaq 0-1, Kalkara vs Siggiewi 2-5
Thu 26
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Ta' Xbiex 1-0
- The Gozo Football Association is celebrating its seventieth anniversary on Monday 30th April. A full programme will be organized to commemorate such a big event. The programme includes addresses from VIP guests, a brief of the History of the Association, entertainment by Gozitan and Maltese singers, fireworks and the final of the GFA Cup between Ghajnsielem and Victoria Hotspurs which will be transmitted live on Melita Sports.
Entrance for these activities is for free.
From the beginning of organized football in Gozo, the Gozo Stadium, earlier known as the Silver Jubilee Ground, was, and is still, the main premises of the Gozo Football Association.
In 1936, this ground was provided by the Government for the use of the Gozitan people to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King George V. In 1995, the ground was changed from a hard pitch to a natural turf pitch. This Administration had another ambition, the Floodlighting of the Gozo Stadium so that the Gozo Stadium could be exploited to its maximum by the Association’s Member clubs.
Needless to say, the Association is sparing no effort and leaving no stone unturned with a view to ensure that the local soccer game is given the best of chance to improve in many aspects and in conformity with the requirements of the modern game.
- Gozo - Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Qala SJ vs SK Victoria W. 3-2
- FIFA Assistant Referee, Mr. Alan Camilleri, has been appointed by UEFA to be one of eight Assistant Referees in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Final Tournament in Belgium.
Matches are being played in various Belgian towns between May 2 and 13.
Taking part in the event are France, Spain, Germany and Ukraine who will be playing in Group A; Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland and England who will be playing in Group B.
The top two from each group go into the semi-finals which will be played on May 10.
- The Malta Football Association will consider applications from constituted Clubs to participate in the BOV Third Division League for next season 2007/2008.
Applications, which must include a copy of the Club Statute and a list of Committee Members, with their respective ID’s must reach the MFA General Secretary at 280, St Paul’s Street, Valletta. VLT 07, by not later than Friday 4th May 2007.
Late applications will not be considered.
Wed 25
- Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following this weekend's matches.
Roderick Sammut (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Lawrence Mizzi and Clive Brincat (St. George's) and Keith Fenech (Valletta) are therefore ruled out of their next league game.
Sammut and Chetcuti are ruled out of the clash between Sliema and Birkirkara. Keith Fenech will be missing the game against Hibernians while Mizzi and Brincat are ruled out of the game between St. George's and Marsa.
In Division 1, Hamrun Spartans midfielder Ryan Fenech was suspended for four matches. Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun), Andrew Decesare (San Gwann), Andrew Decesare (San Gwann), Maczerob Okoro, Paul Camilleri and John Schembri (Tarxien).
Kenneth Farrugia (Birzebbuga) and Victor Fiteni (Dingli) were suspended for one match in Division 2 while Birzebbuga St. Peter's assistant coach Frans Busuttil was suspended for two matches.
Jovin Abela (Xghajra), Alessandro Pirrone and Adrian Psaila (Luqa), Clayton Gatt and Robert Bajada (Zurrieq) was suspended for one match in Division 3.
Youth players Braden Borg (Hamrun), Lee Cumbo (Valletta) and Adon Grech (St. George's) were suspended for one match while Mosta coach Vincent Carbonaro was suspended for two matches.
- The MFA Futsal Department will be organising a three-day seminar on Futsal Coaching early next month. The event is scheduled to be held at the Corradino Pavilion, Paola between the 4th and 6th May 2007.
The main speaker in the seminar will be National Futsal Team coach Michael Striz who will deal with several subjects.
After the introduction, there will be lectures on the laws of the game, theory and individual techniques, physical condition and speed.
On the second day Mr Striz will speak on basic principles of defending and attacking. The theory and practice of goalkeeping will be tackled by Mr Pisani.
On Sunday 6th May, the National Futsal coach will deliver talks on set plays followed by a practical session on specimen training of the national team.
The seminar will come to an end on Sunday at 13.00 with a discussion among all participants.
- The Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery is receiving applications from qualified coaches for season 2007/08.
Interested coaches should send a detailed CV to The Secretary, Pietà Hotspurs FC Youth Nursery, Our Lady of Sorrows Street, Pietà, by not later than May 17th.
Tue 24
- Holders Hibernians were drawn with Valletta in the semi-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. Msida St. Joseph take on Sliema Wanderers in the other match. The draw was held during the programme MFA Magazine on Tuesday.
Hibs vs Valletta will be played on Friday May 18th while Msida vs Sliema will be played on Sunday May 20th.
Hibs, winners of the FA Trophy last season after defeating Floriana in the final, reached this stage after beating Marsa 4-0 in the quarter-finals. On the other hand, Valletta already went through three stages beating San Gwann 1-0 in the first round, Mqabba 3-2 in the second round and BOV Premier League leaders Marsaxlokk on penalties following a goalless draw.
Hibs and Valletta already met three times with the Paolites winning the first two matches 3-1 and 2-1. The third round clash ended in a 2-2 draw.
Sliema qualified after beating Birkirkara 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Msida, on the other hand, reached this stage after beating Naxxar Lions 2-0, Mosta 5-1 and Pietà Hotspurs 1-0.
Out of the four teams in the semi-finals, Msida St. Joseph are the only team yet to win the competition for a first time. Sliema won the FA Trophy 19 times, Valletta eleven and Hibernians seven.
The final will be played on Friday May 25th.
- The draw for the semi-finals of the EuroSport First Division Knock-Out was held on Tuesday during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Mosta were drawn with Senglea Athletic while St. Patrick were paired with Tarxien Rainbows.
Dates for the two matches are yet to be confirmed although the games were originally scheduled for May 20th.
In the quarter-finals, Mosta had defeated San Gwann 3-1 while Senglea Athletic beat Vittoriosa
Stars 3-1 after beating Hamrun Spartans 1-0 after extra-time in the preliminary round.
In the BOV First Division first round, Mosta and Senglea Athletic shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile St. Patrick had defeated Qormi 3-1 in the quarter-finals while Tarxien beat Mqabba 2-1.
Tarxien beat St. Patrick 1-0 in a league match last week following a 3-3 draw in the first round.
- The Malta National Futsal team will be taking part in an international tournament between 28th April and 1st May 2007.
The event, Primo Torneo Internazionale di Calcio A 5, ‘Trofeo del Mediterraneo’, will be held in Catania and, besides the Maltese team, there will be six other participants.
These are Polisportiva Universal Mister Bianco, Rappresentativa Siciliana, Rappresentativa Emilia Romagna, Spar Puntese U21 Rinforzata, Olimpia Mascalucia and Ficarazzi 2000.
This will be the first time that the Malta Futsal team will be taking part in an overseas tournament.
The competition will be staged over preliminary rounds, followed by the semi-finals, third-place match and final.
The squad, under the charge of coach Michael Striz, will be as follows:
Goalkeepers: Benny Gialanze, Bjorn Vassallo,
Players: Nicholas Bilocca, Tyron Borg, Noel Bray, Paul Bugeja, Roderick Caruana, John Cutajar, Timothy Ellis, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Jeanbert Gatt, Robert Magro, Roberto Micallef, Jonathan Sammut, Rene Sciberras.
Mon 23
- Third Division Santa Lucia vs Attard 1-6, Zejtun C. vs Gharghur 0-6
- The club representing Malta in the UEFA Intertoto Cup will be facing a team from Slovenia after the draw for the 2007 UEFA Intertoto Cup has taken place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The identities of the participants will only be known once the various leagues around Europe come to an end in the coming weeks.
The Maltese club hosts the team from Slovenia on June 23 or 24. The return leg will be played on June 30 or July 1.
The team which qualifies will meet the team representing Serbia in the second round. The second round matches take place on 7/8 and 14/15 July.
Malta will be represented by the team ending third in the BOV Premier League, or the team ending fourth in case Sliema Wanderers win the FA Trophy.
This will be the third time, a local side will be facing a team from Slovenia in a UEFA competition. In 1992, Hamrun Spartans were eliminated by Maribor Branik after losing 4-0 away from home and winning 2-1 at Ta' Qali in the Cup Winners Cup. In 2004, Marsaxlokk were eliminated by NK Primorje after losing 0-1 at Ta' Qali and 2-0 away from home in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round.
Sun 22
- Premier League Hibernians vs Msida SJ 2-0, Valletta vs Sliema W. 1-1
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Qormi 0-3, St. Patrick vs Tarxien R. 0-1
- Second Division Gudja U. vs Melita 1-4, St. Andrews vs Birzebbuga SP 2-2
- Third Division Fgura U. vs Sirens 0-0, Luqa SA vs Zurrieq 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Xaghra U., Sannat L. vs Nadur Y.
Sat 21
- Premier League St. George's vs Floriana 2-6, Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-3
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Mqabba 1-3, Hamrun S. vs San Gwann 2-1
- Second Division Mellieha vs Lija A. 3-2, Dingli S. vs Zebbug R. 2-0
Fri 20
- Third Division Xghajra T. vs Qrendi 0-0, Kirkop U. vs Ta' Xbiex postponed
Thu 19
- Xaghra United issued a statement after that a protest against the result of the Onvol GFA First Division match against Qala St. Joseph over an alleged technical error was not upheld by the MFA Protests' Board.
The club based its arguments on Article 10 on the Referees' Regulations as published last year, which state that in case of players asking for the referee to check the required distance before a freekick is taken, a quick freekick is not allowed and should therefore be taken after being signalled by the referee.
The statement says that "the club gathered important evidence over the game including video footage which shows clearly that the referee gave no signal for Qala to take the freekick from which the latter managed to equalise. However this evidence was rejected by the Protests' Board because the chairman of the Board declared that video evidence is only admitted in case of incidents between players and not in such cases."
"The delegates representing Xaghra, namely Mr Victor Zammit, Mr Carmelo Bonello and Notary Christian Zammit appealed against this argument, claiming this was not fair as the Board was going to rely entirely on the verbal witness of the referee and assistant referee."
"Referee Mr Gordon Barbara said he had whistled for the freekick to be taken. The Qala St. Joseph president agreed with the referee. The assistant referee agreed that the players had asked the referee to check the required distance before the freekick was taken and although he said he did not hear the referee whistling for the freekick to be taken, he said he thought the referee had given the signal for the freekick to be taken. The Xaghra delegates argued that this meant that the protest was about to be decided on subjective imagination and not on certainty."
The Protests Board rejected the protest by Xaghra and their request for a replay was turned down.
The statement, signed by Notary Dr Christian Zammit, finally says that "The sentence is unfair as it goes against the legal principle of justice, that is "equality of arms" as clear evidence which could have shed more light on the incident was rejected by the Board which therefore relied on claims by the referee who defended his control, the evidence of the other club's president and the witness of the assistant referee who thought that a signal has been given for the freekick to be taken."
"The sentence is to the detriment of Xaghra United and football in general, a sentence which will have financial and moral repercussions on the club and its supporters."
- The UEFA ‘A’ Licence Course organised by the MFA Technical Centre is currently underway, with 20 participants engaged in the course which is divided into two parts.
In the first part over a nine-day period, which started on the 14th and ends on the 22nd April, several themes are being covered by different tutors, each focusing on his own specific field.
The panel of tutors, under the direction of Dusan Fitzel, National Coach and MFA Technical Director, includes three foreigners, Zdenek Sivek, UEFA Technical Instructor Panel Member, Ian Mitchell, Sports Psychologist - University of Wales and Matteo Levi, Physiologist - Coverciano.
The locally-based tutors are: Mark Miller, Stephen Grima, Dr David Attard, Robert Gatt, Roger Camilleri, Tom A. Restall and Alfred Cachia.
Fitness training, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, individual skills, circuit training, laws of the game, periodic planning, psychological demands, motivation, diet, interval and speed training, teaching methodology, stress and theory game observation are among the themes being covered in this first part of the course.
On 21st April there will be a one-day seminar for ‘A’ and ‘B’ qualified coaches. This will be conducted by the three foreign tutors.
The second part of the UEFA ‘A’ Licence Course, to be held from the 14th to the 20th May, will also consist of an intensive programme dealing with various individual and collective skills of the game, leadership qualities, team talks, match preparation and several practical performances from the participants.
On the tenth day and preceding the second part there will be theoretical exams of psychology, laws of the game and physiology.
The daily programme over the 16 days spread on two months will start at 8.00 am and finish at 5.00 pm.
The course is being held at the MFA Technical Complex, Ta’Qali.
Wed 18
- The sixth edition of the Malta Football Awards will be held on June 9th at the Corinthia Palace - Attard. Details about the gala event, which will carry once again the name of Melita Digital Malta Football Awards, were revealed during a press conference which was held on Wednesday.
These awards are made possible thanks to a number of sponsors and partners. Bank of Valletta, Strand Electronics, Malta Tourism Authority, Audi and IFS International joined a number of sponsors which have been supporting the event for the past years namely Melita Digital, Vodafone, Powerade, AV Plus, TeamSport, XFM, Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport and Corinthia Palace.
The chairperson of the organising committee of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards, Sandro Micallef, said that the awards which have now become synonymous with the gala event will be presented once again but in order to keep with the tradition of introducing one or more new awards in every edition, Events Services launched another award - the Best Support according to the general public.
The organisers renewed the agreement with General Soft Drinks thanks to which the company is sponsoring another award through Powerade. The Powerade Outstanding Player Award is being launched in collaboration with the programme MFA Magazine which is broadcast on Smash Television. The general public votes for their favourite players by sending an sms to 50614097. The three players who are currently leading the poll are Kevin Sammut, Saviour Darmanin and Justin Haber.
Voting for this award will continue up to fifteen minutes from the end of the gala event and the result will be announced on the night.
The list of awards for the sixth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards are therefore:
- Best Goalkeeper
- Best Defender
- Best Midfielder
- Best Striker
- Most Promising Youngster
- Best Coach
- Best Foreign Player
- Best Local Player
- Best Goal of the Season
- Best First Division Player
- Best Women's League Player
- Best Futsal First Division Player
- Best Onvol GFA First Division Player
- Best Veteran Player
- Award/s for Career
- Best Support
- Powerade Outstanding Player
The Best Goalkeeper Award will be named for the late David Cluett. The winner will be presented with two trophies, one by Events Services and another by the Ghaqda Kittieba Sport. The latter will be retained by the goalkeeper for one year.
Once again voting for the awards concerning the Premier League are thirty journalists who cover the BOV Premier League, the ten club presidents, the ten coaches and the ten team captains.
Voting for the Best First Division Player, besides journalists, are the presidents, coaches and captains of the ten BOV First Division clubs. The same procedure will be used for the Best Onvol GFA First Division Player.
The Best Support Award depends entirely on the votes by the general public. Voting on sms number 50614914 has just started.
All votes will be counted in the presence of a Notary Public.
Corinthia Palace Hotel general manager Mr Italo Rota said he was proud that Events Services once again chose his hotel as the venue for the event. He wished the organisers an even bigger success than it was last year.
MFA vice-president Mr John Farrugia said the association supported such events as it encourages players to do better. Farrugia praised the fact that not only Premier League players are being presented with awards but also players in Division 1, the Futsal League, Women's League and the First Division in Gozo, making this even a complete one as it caters for the whole football family. He concluded by wishing the organisers several years of success in organising this event.
The gala event, which will be presented by Mario Micallef and Catherine Xuereb, will be broadcast on Melita Sports 701/47 and on Information Channel (04/106). There will be a repeat on Education 22, the following day at 20:30.
The organisers thanked the media for their support and thanked the sponsors which are making this edition possible, namely Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, Corinthia Palace, Melita Digital, Vodafone Malta, Powerade, XFM, Malta Tourism Authority, Audi, Strand Electronics, Bank of Valletta, MCP Car Park, Print Right, IFS International, Vascas, ADT, ETC, Aristocrat, and maltafootball.com.
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches.
The four players are Jonathan Holland (Birkirkara), Svetlan Kondev (Pietà), Heathcliff Schembri (St. George's) and Dylan Zarb (Valletta).
Holland is ruled out of the game against Marsaxlokk. Zarb will be unavailable for Valletta in the game against Sliema.
Schembri will be missing the game between St. George's and Floriana while Kondev is ruled out of the game against Marsa.
In Division 1, Senglea's Darren Grech was suspended for three matches while Aaron Attard (Hamrun), Bryan Agius and Daniel Theuma (Mosta) and Michael Zerafa (St. Patrick) were banned for one match.
Etienne Farrugia (Dingli) and Matthew Borg I (Melita) was each banned for two matches in Division 2 while Leonid Mackay (Balzan), Patrick Muscat (Birzebbuga), Roderick Spiteri and Fabio Cauchi (Dingli), Matthew Borg II (Melita), Keith Micallef and Jonathan Bezzina (Rabat) were suspended for one match. Gudja kit-manager Charles Mifsud was suspended for three matches.
Marvin Grech (Gharghur), Kevin Tonna and Jean Paul Abela (Zejtun) were banned for one match in the Third Division.
Jean Paul Mercieca (Birzebbuga) was handed a two match ban in the Youth League while Dylan Coppola (Floriana), Leighton Grech (Hibs), Nicola Del Re (Qormi) and David Cassar (St. Patrick) were suspended for one match.
- Following the 1-1 draw in Moldova and the narrow 0-1 defeat to Greece at Ta' Qali, Malta climbed one place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now 110th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is now on level points with Estonia. Azerbaijan are now 103rd after climbing 20 places. Kazakhstan climbed 27 places to 116th and Liechtenstein climbed 31 places to 131st. Lying behind Malta are therefore Kazakhstan (116), Armenia (127), Liechtenstein (131), Andorra (161), Luxembourg (177), Faroe Islands (179) and San Marino (196).
Malta's next two games are against Norway and Bosnia Herzegovina away from home on June 2 and 6.
- Sliema Wanderers FC Youth Nursery will be organizing an Under 12 11-a-side football tournament.
The tournament will be held at the University Ground in Tal-Qroqq between Friday 4th and Sunday 6th May.
Games played on Friday and Saturday will be played in the evening under artificial lighting.
The participating fee will be of Lm25. Trophies will be given to the first three placed teams and due to the limited spaces available, applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.
Nurseries are to contact the Sliema Nursery premises on tel: 21319426, or email: info@sliemanursery.com
Tue 17
- Pietà Hotspurs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is set to play abroad next season.
Speaking during the programme Football Xtra on Smash Television, presented by Julian Holland, Pietà Hotspurs president Edward Schembri stated that after the game between Pietà and St. George's, the club reached an agreement with an Italian club thanks to which Hogg will be playing in Italy next season.
Although Schembri did not reveal the name of the team, he insisted that the deal has been concluded.
For Hogg, this will be his second experience in Italy. In fact, he played for Bari during the season 2003/04. Hogg used to play for the primavera side.
Mon 16
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery organised an Under-7 Festival on Sunday 15th April.
Eight teams took part in this tournament, namely Pembroke Athleta, Sliema Wanderers, Paola Hibs, Hamrun Spartans, Pietà Whites, Pietà Blues, Lija-Iklin and Tarxien Rainbows. Teams were divided into two groups of four teams each.
After two very close semifinals, Pietà Blues and Hamrun Spartans emerged as finalists. Pietà Blues won the tournament while in the final for 3rd and 4th place, Pietà Whites defeated Tarxien.
Meanwhile another fun festival will be organised on Sunday 22. Taking part in this tournament, which is being supported by Region 3, are Mosta, Zebbug Rangers, Pietà Whites, Pietà Blues, Valletta and Rabat Depiro.
Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery would like to thank all participating teams for all their support and good atmosphere during the past festival.
Mon 16
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Kalkara 1-0, Gzira U. vs Mgarr U. 0-1
- As part of the celebrations commemorating the fifty year anniversary since the foundation of the club, Mqabba Football Club have launched a new state-of-the art website.
This website will feature news and information about the club together with a sporting calendar, event photographs, archives, multimedia section and more. The site also features a scoreboard which will in the near future be developed into a LiveScoreboard where Mqabba FC fans could follow the development of the club's matches in real time.
This site was designed and developed by m7alpha Design Studios and will be maintained by Splash Design.
Sun 15
- Premier League St. George's vs Pietà H. 1-2, Sliema W. vs Msida SJ 3-2
- First Division San Gwann vs Tarxien R. 1-1, Hamrun S. vs Naxxar L. 6-0
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Sta. Venera L. 3-0, Rabat A. vs Gudja U. 4-1, Gozo vs Balzan Y.
- Third Division Ghaxaq vs Zejtun C. 6-4, Siggiewi vs Mdina K. 0-1
- First Division Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 1-1
Sat 14
- Premier League Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 2-3, Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-0
- First Division Qormi vs Mosta 3-3, Senglea A. vs St. Patrick 0-0
- Second Division Lija A. vs Dingli S. 1-0, Melita vs St. Andrews 1-1
- Due to the fact that the National Team will be participating in a tournament in Misterbianco - Catania, later on this month, the remaining fixtures of the Futsal Leagues and Knock-Out Competition had to be revised.
The Futsal First Division Championship Play-Offs, which were due to kick-off in less than two weeks will now be played between the May 14 and 21.
Taking part in the Championship Play-Offs are Hibernians, Scandals Bar, European Pilot Academy and Jeepers Handyman Centre.
Champions Hibernians won Section A with 25 points, three ahead of runners-up Scandals Bar. European Pilot Academy placed first in Section B with 28 points, seven ahead of second-placed Jeepers Handyman Centre.
The players selected by national coach Michal Striz for the tournament are Bjorn Vassallo, Benny Gialanze, Nicholas Bilocca, Tyron Borg, Noel Bray, Roderick Caruana, John Cutajar, Mark Sullivan, Robert Magro, Roberto Micallef, Jeanbert Gatt, Paul Bugeja, Rene Sciberras, Timothy Ellis, Jonathan Sammut.
Accompanying the squad in Catania, besides head coach Michal Striz, will be assistant coach Mark Marlow, kit-manager Jonathan Pisani, masseur Donald Spiteri and team secretary Mario Gauci.
Fri 13
- Third Division Attard vs Luqa SA 0-0, Gharghur vs Santa Lucia 2-0
Thu 12
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 3-2
- Promising fourteen-year old footballer Ayrton Azzopardi is on a week's trial with Reading in England.
This opportunity was made possible by the Maltese coach J.J Aquilina and Mr. Terry Wateridge, who runs a soccer school in the UK. This school is a feeder for Reading F.C.'s own Football Academy and J.J. Aquilina is regularly invited to give training sessions at both these football schools, where he always left a good impression.
Both Mr.Wateridge and JJ Aquilina also have to scout for promising young footballers that can be given the opportunity for trials at Reading FC.
JJ Aquilina remarked that in the UK and in the Reading region, there are hundreds of promising young footballers but with the right attitude and the right guidance from parents and Coaches even Maltese young players can be of interest to Clubs in the UK.
Aquilina is presently on the Coaching Staff of the Sliema W.F.C Youth Nursery and gives coordination and skills sessions to various age groups.
Azzopardi is a product of Pietà Hotspurs and has been training with the club since the age of six. Italian side Inter are also interested in the player and have already taken him for a trial thanks to contacts established by Pietà president Edward Schembri last year.
Inter are still following the player and are keeping in touch with Pietà to monitor the player's progress.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising a Goalkeepers’ Coaching Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre over two days, the 5th and 6th of May 2007.
Applications are invited from coaches who hold at least a CYF certificate. These will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis and when the maximum number of applicants is reached no more applications will be accepted.
Application forms are available during office hours from the MFA Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali. These, together with the relevant coaching certificate, should reach the MFA Technical Centre by not later than Monday, 30th April 2007.
Wed 11
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Oratory Y. 3-2
- Twelve players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last Sunday's game from the Onvol First Division between Xaghra United and Qala St. Joseph. At the end of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw with Qala notching the equaliser five minutes in stoppage time, a number of players and officials engaged themselves in a free-for-all fight during which referee Gordon Barbara was assaulted.
Four players were sent off and others were reported by the referee in the official match report.
The worst hit were Xaghra United who had seven players suspended. Sam Frank Bajada was suspended for two matches and then given a long-term suspension until October 10th. Joseph Galea was banned for a total of six matches, Chris Camilleri was suspended for three matches, Simon Sultana and Joseph Vella for two matches each while Donald Gauci was suspended for one game.
Qala St. Joseph had five players suspended. Joseph Xerri was banned for two matches while Mark Bonello and Ivan Grech were handed a one-match ban. Bonello was suspended after collecting a fourth yellow card. Qala masseur Paul Buttigieg was banned for two matches.
Meanwhile in Malta, Roberto Brincat (San Gwann) was suspended for three matches following last weekend's matches from the First Division Knock-Out. Erin Azzopardi (Senglea) was suspended for one match. Vittoriosa masseur Aaron Ancilleri was suspended for five months while Vittoriosa kit-manager Manwel Ancilleri was banned for three matches.
In the Second & Third Division Knock-Out, Leonid Mackay (Balzan), Ryan Farrugia (Birzebbuga) and Jeffrey Zammit (Dingli) were handed a one-match ban. Dingli's Bruce Genovese was suspended for three matches.
Zebbug masseur Mark Attard was suspended for two matches while Yani Leo Grech (Attard) was banned for two matches.
In the Youth League, Melita Under-19 coach Jean Pierre Mifsud Portanier was banned for two matches while Andrew Caruana Scicluna, Kane Micallef, Rosalio Galea and Matthew Borg II (all of Melita) were suspended for one match. Lija's Andrew Agius was suspended for one match in the Youth Knock-Out.
- Two five-a-side women’s age-group tournaments for the Under-13 and Under-17 categories were organised by the MFA Women Sub-Committee on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th April respectively.
The Under-13 tournament was won by Mgarr, winners of Section ‘B’. They beat Birkirkara Yellows, who headed Section ‘A’, 2-1 after netting two last-minute goals.
The runners-up of each section, Pembroke and San Andrea School, contested for third place, with the latter team emerging winners by a solitary goal.
There were 12 teams in the younger age-bracket: Birkirkara Yellows, Pembroke, St, Catherine School, Birzebbugia, Valletta and Hibernians in Section ‘A’ and Mgarr, San Andrea School, Sta. Venera, Marsa, Birkirkara Reds and Lija/Iklin in Section B.
Six teams took part in the Under-17 competition which was played on a round-robin basis between all sides. Matches were evenly-balanced, with Hibernians just getting the better of Sliema Raiders on the strength of their direct clash after both teams finished equal on points.
Third place went to Mosta, while San Anton School preceded Sta. Venera, both of whom ended on the same number of points. These teams were followed by Lija/Iklin.
At the end of each tournament, medals were presented to all the players. Mr John Farrugia, MFA Vice-President and Chairman of the MFA Women’s Committee made the presentation to the girls in the younger category, while Mr Alfred Zammit presented the medals to the Under-17 girls.
The tournaments were held at the Melita FC Training pitches, St Andrew’s, kindly made available to the MFA Organising Committee.
- Mgarr United Football Club and Mgarr Youth Nursery are proud to announce the arrival of its new and updated website, the all-new www.mgarrutd.com with a nice design and giving a fresh look into the world of football in Mgarr.
The website includes all games, coaches, players and history of the club but also features statistics, news and match reports.
This website is a joint-effort by Mgarr United F.C. and Mgarr Youth Nursery and was created by Frederick Muscat and sponsored by Halmann Vella Tiles.
Tue 10
- Third Division Sirens vs Kirkop U. 4-0, Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 1-0
- The final phase of the Futsal First Division League kicks-off in two weeks' time after the last matches from Sections A and B were played on Monday.
Champions Hibernians won Section A with 25 points, three ahead of runners-up Scandals Bar. European Pilot Academy placed first in Section B with 28 points, seven ahead of second-placed Jeepers Handyman Centre.
The four teams will now play in the Championship Play-Offs which will be played on a one-round league basis.
In the Second Division, Stingrays, Energizer Boyz and Aluserv have already secured promotion to the First Division. Stingrays won Section A while Fugazi 5 and Kerygma Football are fighting for second place. In Section B, Energizer Boyz and Aluserv are in contention for the top spot although both are sure of playing in Division 1 next season.
ECB FC, Clarion and Deportivo Santa Cruz won promotion from the Third Division after they won sections A, B and C respectively. Paola Stars were also promoted after beating Zabbar Chievo and Unistars in the Play-Offs.
Busy Bee, Tal-Werqa S.G. and Los Street Boyz won Sections A, B and C in the Fourth Division and were therefore promoted to the Third Division.
Mon 9
- Third Division Qrendi vs Mgarr U. 0-0, Ta' Xbiex vs Xghajra T. 2-0
- As previously announced in the schedule of Instructional Meetings, the MFA Technical Centre will be holding a one-day seminar for UEFA ‘A’, MFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’ and MFA ‘B’ licensed coaches.
This seminar will be held on Saturday 21st April 2007 at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali, starting at 08.30 hrs and ending at 15.00 hrs.
Coaches are reminded that it is mandatory that every A and B qualified coach attends at least one seminar every two years.
- The MFA Women’s Sub-Committee organised two five-a-side one-day tournaments for Under-13 and Under-17 girls.
The younger category played on Monday, while the U-17’s were in action on Tuesday.
Such tournaments are intended to boost further interest in women’s football among the younger age-group and thus help coaches explore the up-and-coming talent.
The venue for both tournaments is the Melita FC training grounds kindly made available by the Melita FC committee.
- Gudja United Youth Nursery will be organising an Under-10 Football Festival.
The tournament will be held on Gudja Synthetic Pitch on Saturday the 21st April and will be held in a league format.
The participation fee Lm 10 and all children will be given a small token at the end of the festival.
Places are limited, as only a maximum of six teams can take part. Interested nurseries are to contact the Gudju UYN on gudjayouthnursery@yahoo.co.uk or on 99821120 as soon as possible.
Sun 8
- FA Trophy Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 1-0, Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 0-0 aet (4-3 pen)
- First Division Knock-Out Mosta vs San Gwann 3-1, Mqabba vs Tarxien R. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Xewkija T. 1-0, Xaghra U. vs Qala SJ 2-2
Sat 7
- FA Trophy Hibernians vs Marsa 4-0, Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 1-2
- First Division Knock-Out Vittoriosa S. vs Senglea A. 3-1, St. Patrick vs Qormi 3-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Dingli S. 1-0, Rabat A. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-1 aet (3-4 pen)
- The talented young Cypriot side trounced their Maltese counterparts by six clear goals to win the Malta Tournament with maximum points having beaten San Marino in the opening match.
Needing a win by an at least two goal margin, coach Oliver Spiteri opted for an offensive 4-3-3 formation but, though enjoying more possession in the early stages, it was Cyprus who threatened every time they had the ball with some exquisite counter-attacking through their dangerman Demetris Demetriou.
This skilful Omonia midfielder was simply irreprissible with his dribbling runs causing havoc with the Maltese rearguard. He made the assist for Apoel’s striker Markos Michail to open the score in the 17th minute and helped himself with the Cypriot’s second goal five minutes later (22’) following a remarkable solo dribble from half-pitch.
Thanks to Demetriou’s splendid assists, Michail completed his first-half hat-trick in the 31st and 40th minute. In between Demetriou scored his second personal goal in the 34th minute. (HT 0-5)
Despite resting man-of-the-match Demetriou, the Cypriots held the upper hand on the resumption scoring a sixth goal through Theodorou in the 59th minute.
To their credit, the young Maltese never kept trying playing their hearts out but they had to bow out to a technically and physically superior Cypriot side on the day.
Goalkeeper Daniel Balzan prevented further misery when he effected a brilliant save from a point-blank shot by substitute Charalambous just before the final whistle.
The Malta team lined up as follows: Daniel Balzan, Ismael Grech, Elkien Cauchi, Amadeo Mercieca (Merlin Mifsud), Andreas Galea, Keith Fenech (David Muscat), Dianson Brincat (Lyden Micallef), Randall Refalo, Rowen Muscat, Matthew Tabone (Matthew Gauci), Teo Ringrose.
Referee: Adrian Azzopardi. Asst. Referees: Fyodor Zammit, Glenn Tonna
The MFA Vice-President Ludovigo Micallef who is also Chairman of the Association’s Amateur, Youth and Grassroots Committee presented the coveted Trophy to the Cypriot skipper Andreas Alkiviadou at the end of the match.
Thu 5
- Despite enjoying a welter of possession Malta did not go beyond a 1-1 draw against the modest team of San Marino on the second day of an international triangular tournament at the MFA Training Grounds Ta’ Qali.
The Maltese went behind after 18 minutes when Andrea Zafferani slotted in off the near post following a breakaway. After that setback our team pushed forward but could not create any telling openings until the interval.
Seven minutes after the restart, central defender Andreas Galea flashed in a header off a flag-kick from Elkien Cauchi to level matters. The pressure on the San Marino fort mounted and goalkeeper Mattia Manzaroli thwarted Lyden Micallef twice in quick succession and then denied Ismael Grech.
Malta kept up the pressure but good routine work by the visitors’ central defenders in front of their alert custodian barred the way towards a winning goal for the erstwhile disappointing Malta.
Oliver Spiteri’s team now face an uphill task on Saturday - 11.00 am kick-off - to win the tournament as they have to beat Cyprus, 2-0 winners over San Marino on Tuesday, and hope for a better goal difference in the final reckoning.
MALTA: Daniel Balzan, Ismael Grech, Elkien Cauchi (Matthew Agius), Amadeo Mercieca (Matthew Gauci), Andreas Galea (Matthew Tabone), Neil Goodlip (Lyden Micallef), Keith Fenech, Dianson Brincat (Teo Ringrose), Randall Refalo, David Muscat, Rowen Muscat.
Referee: Clayton Pisani
Ass. Referees: Paul Apap; Mitchell Scerri
Wed 4
- First Division Hamrun S. vs Mqabba 3-0
- Second Division Gozo vs Zebbug R. 0-2
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Qala SJ 1-1, Nadur Y. vs Xaghra U. 0-4
- Six players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary COmmissioner following last weekend's matches from the BOV Premier League. Leaders Marsaxlokk had three players suspended and Floriana had two.
For their next league game against Hibernians on Saturday 14, Marsaxlokk will be without Carlo Mamo and Andre Schembri.
Floriana, on the other hand, will be without Christian Cassar, Christian Caruana and Trevor Cilia for the game against St. George's on Saturday 21.
Msida midfielder Ousseni Zongo is ruled out of the game against Sliema Wanderers on Sunday 15 after being handed a one-math ban as well.
In Division 1, Claudio Calleja (Mqabba), Joseph Saliba (Qormi), Alan Tabone (Tarxien) and Sandro Calleja (Vittoriosa) were also suspended for one game.
Sta. Venera goalkeeper Duane Carabott was suspended for one game in Division 2 while Elon Cassar (Attard), Anthony Borg (Fgura), Daniel Borg and Ryan Debattista (Gharghur) were banned for one game in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Shemizer Scicluna (Marsa), Neil Caruana (Rabat), Wayne Keon Galea (Msida), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), Julian Azzopardi and Clayton Gatt (Zurrieq) were handed a one-match ban.
Tue 3
- The Malta Under-17 Friendly Mini-Tournament kicked-off on Tuesday with the first game between Cyprus and San Marino at the MFA Training Grounds. Cyprus beat San Marino by two goals to nil.
The first half was quite balanced with very few shots at goal. The Cypriots just had the edge in the exchanges but the San Marino defence looked sturdy and disciplined. Just before the interval Demetriou missed a good scoring opportunity when his low shot was ably parried by the San Marino custodian Manzaroli.
The Cypriots looked more lively on the restart and deservedly went ahead in the 50th minute through the Olympiakos forward Alkiviadou who concluded a good Cypriot attacking move. Ten minutes later, the same Alkiviadou scored a second for Cyprus coolly controlling a long ball before running through to beat the opposing goalie.
Cyprus could have scored a third but the San Marino goalkeeper saved Loizov's low shot from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.
The match was controlled by Esther Farrugia assisted by Tristan Farrugia Cann and Sandro Spiteri.
Malta meets San Marino on Thursday at 11.00am.
The Maltese players selected for the tournament by coach Oliver Spiteri are:
goalkeepers Daniel Balzan (Hibs), Luca Bugeja (Marsaxlokk), Dunstan Zarb (Valletta);
defenders Elkien Cauchi (Hibs), Yan Cauchi (Hibs), Andreas Galea (Birkirkara), Ismael Grech (Pietà), Amadeo Mercieca (Sliema), Merlin Mifsud (Mgarr), David Muscat (Sliema), Dorian Sammut (Sliema), Matthew Tabone (Pietà);
midfielders Jonathan Bajada (Birkirkara), Keith Fenech (Birkirkara), Matthew Gauci (Hibs), Neil Goodlip (San Gwann), Klinsmann Grech (Sliema), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Matthew Agius (Lecce);
forwards Dianson Brincat (Birkirkara), Lydon Micallef (Mosta), Randall Refalo (Pietà) and Daniel Scicluna (Pietà).
Mon 2
- Third Division Mdina K. vs Pembroke A. 0-0, Kalkara vs Gzira U. 2-0
- German company Polytan, represented in Malta by John G. Cassar Ltd, was awarded the tender for the installation of the new artificial turf pitch, now known as Football Turf, at the Centenary Stadium. The football turf will have the FIFA Recommended 2-Star Certification which is now the prerequisite for the official approval of artificial turf playing surfaces for national and international competitions, ranging from the UEFA Under-17 matches to the UEFA Champions League.
After deep analysis of the products offered by the different tenderers, discussions were held with three of the bidders, namely Polytan, Limonta Sport and GreenFields BV. The association then decided to choose between the products offered by Polytan and Limonta as the product offered by GreenFields is yet to be tested. After taking expert advice and the financial aspect, the tender was awarded to Polytan.
Polytan has already installed 14 FIFA Recommended Two-Star Football Turf pitches in Europe and a third of the FIFA Recommended Two-Star Football Turf pitches around the world were produced by the company. These include artificial turf pitches at the Stade de Suisse in Berne, Stadion Salzburg, the Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund training centres.
For a pitch to be FIFA Recommended Two-Star, it has to be produced at a factory licensed by FIFA. Tests have to be carried out by an independent lab accredited by FIFA after it has been installed.
Polytan will be guaranteeing the pitch to pass the FIFA Two-Star tests for 5 years and that of being in a good condition for 8 years. Besides the ten testing points required by FIFA, the MFA will be asking for tests on another two points at random.
Works will start towards the end of May. The removal of the old pitch should take place between May 28 and June 3 while the installation of the new pitch should take place between June 4 and July 14. A sprinkler water system will be installed around the pitch in order to prevent sand blown from the adjacent motor cycle track from settling on the turf and to keep its temperature low especially during hot weather. A maintenance programme will be followed.
The pitch will be paid over a period of three years.
Sun 1
- Premier League Floriana vs Marsa 2-2, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 1-4
- First Division St. Patrick vs Vittoriosa S. 2-0, Mosta vs Hamrun S. 0-1
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Balzan Y. 0-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Gozo 4-3
- Third Division Santa Lucia vs Ghaxaq 1-2, Zejtun C. vs Siggiewi 2-3
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs St. Lawrence S. 3-1, Oratory Y. vs Zebbug R. 3-2