Vittoriosa Stars

Vittoriosa.S   1   San Gwann   0

Vittoriosa Stars kisbu r-rebħa li kellhom bżonn biex ġew promossi għall-kam­pjo­nat Premier. Minkejja d-dif­ferenza ta’ punti fil-klassifika, San Gwann, li staġun ieħor jilgħabu fit-Tieni Diviżjoni, taw sfida denja lill-avversarji tagħhom tant li t-tim mill-Kottonera kellu jistenna sat-72 minuta biex jis­korja l-gowl deċiżiv.

Kif mistenni Vittoriosa ħar­ġu fuq l-offensiva u wara biss tliet minuti tilfu ċans faċli li fih setgħu marru fil-vantaġġ meta Michael Borg Olivier żmarka lil Joseph Chetcuti u dan na­qas li jikkonkludi fix-xibka minn żewġ passi bogħod. Hu­ma baqgħu jiddomonaw iżda ma setgħux isibu t-triq lejn ix-xibka avversarja.

It-tieni taqsima kienet foto-kopja tal-ewwel waħda fejn Vittoriosa baqgħu jattakkaw sakemm, fit-72 minuta, huma skorjaw il-gowl deċiżiv meta BEPPE MUSCAT għeleb lil Jean Matthias Vella b’xutt fil-baxx wara azzjoni personali.

Il-partita kellha tmiem mhux tas-soltu meta membri tal-kumitat ta’ Vittoriosa Stars daħlu jiġru fil-grawnd hekk kif ħasbu li l-logħba kienet spiċċat fejn l-agħar li mar kien il-plejer Michael Borg Olivier li ġie muri t-tieni karta safra wara li neża’ l-flokk u għaldaqstant tkeċċa.

Madankollu ftit wara waslet it-tisfira finali tar-referee li tat bidu għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet mill-plejers, partitarji u diri­ġenti ta’ Vittoriosa.

SAN GWANN. J. M. Vella, Q. Bregman, M. Caruana (K. Vella), L. Cumbo, N. Curmi, L. Galea, C. Cuschieri (J. Cutajar), A. Borg, Glenn Agius (Gianluca Agius), P. Xuereb, S. Hili.

VITTORIOSA S: H. Bonello, P. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, J. Chetcuti, J. Spiteri, G. Muscat (G. Inguanez), H. Makinwa, L. Chitescu (J. Xerri), J. Chetcuti (C. Micallef), M. Borg Olivier, B. Bonnici.

Vittoriosa.S   2   Mosta.   1

Vittoriosa Stars għamlu pass deċisiv għar-rebħ tal-promoz­zjoni meta f’partita missielta għelbu lil Mosta 2-1. Dawn tal-aħħar fetħu l-iskor wara biss żewġ minuti imma Vittoriosa dawru r-riżultat favur tagħhom b’goal f’kull taqsima. B’dawn it-tliet punti huma fetħu vantaġġ ta’ ħames punti fuq St. George’s u Balzan Youths li iżda lagħbu partita anqas minnhom u propju jkunu fl-azzjoni llum wara nofsinhar.

Mosta ma setax kellhom bi­du aħjar għax wara biss żewġ minuti huma fetħu l-iskor meta TERRENCE VELLA ġie mwaqqa’ fil-kaxxa minn Justin Camilleri, ir-referee ordna pe-nalti li minnu l-istess attakkant Mosti ma falliex

Fl-20 minuta, Vittoriosa għam­lu l-iskor indaqs meta wa­ra azzjoni ta’ Leontin Chitescu, dan żmarka lil BEPPE MUSCAT li b’xutt fil-baxx ikkonkluda fix-xibka.

Ftit wara Mosta setgħu reġ­­­għu marru fil-vantaġġ iż­da Mark Briggs naqas li jikkonkludi minn qagħda ideali.

Wara l-mistrieħ l-andament tal-partita baqa’ l-istess b’Mosta jkunu xi ftit aktar avventurużi u fit-58 minuta xutt fil-baxx ta’ Gilbert Martin, wara azzjoni personali li fiha qabeż żewġ di­fensuri, ġie salvat minn Alex Camilleri.

Fil-65 minuta, kienu Vitto­riosa li marru fil-vantaġġ meta daqqa ta’ ras mill-viċin ta’ Henry Makinwa, wara corner ta’ Leontin Chitescu, ġiet salvata parzjalment minn Jonathan Debono u mir-rebound JEFFREY CHETCUTI spara fix-xibka. Mosta ppruvaw jagħmlu reazzjoni u ftit wara freekick minn qagħda angolata ta’ Mark Briggs għadda ftit barra.

MOSTA: J. Debono, K. Farrugia, B. Galea, L. Stivala, M. Brincat, M. Briggs, J. Vella (A. Borg 75), L. Grima (V. Osobu 70), L. Micallef, T. Vella (C. Pace 75), G. Martin

VITTORIOSA S.: A. Camilleri, J. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Chetcuti, J. Soiteri, B. Muscat, H. Makinwa, L. Chitescu, J. Chetcuti (G. Inguanez 84), M. Borg Olivier (C. Micallef 78)

Vittoriosa.S   1   Balzan.Y   0

Vittoriosa Stars beat direct promotion rivals Balzan Youths to move up to second place, four points behind leaders Marsaxlokk and two ahead of third-placed Balzan and St George's with two games to go.

Marsaxlokk only need a draw from their match against San Ġwann this evening to secure their return to the Premier League.

The first half of yesterday's crunch match was rather quiet. Balzan started well but lost their momentum as the minutes rolled by. After 15 minutes, Balzan's Renie Forace just missed the target following an Ivan Zammit through-ball.

Six minutes later, Bjorn Bondin tried his luck from just inside the area with the ball finishing over.

Vittoriosa finally threatened on 34 minutes when Henry Makinwa powered his way into the Balzan box but out came goalkeeper Frederick Tabone to block his run.

Just before the break, Beppe Muscat's half-volley finished inches wide.

On resumption, the game opened up with Vittoriosa starting to dictate matters. Eight minutes into the second half, Makinwa's pace again proved too much for Balzan but Zammit intercepted the Nigerian's shot.

Seven minutes later, Vittoriosa scored what proved to be the winner. Chitescu found Muscat whose first-time effort had the better of Tabone.

Balzan looked jaded and three minutes later, Chitescu came very close to a second goal for Vittoriosa but his free-kick was cleared off the line by Zammit.

With 14 minutes left, Clayton Micallef's cross flew to Johann Spiteri whose header was saved by Tabone.

Eight minutes from time, Zammit, unmarked, was foiled by Bonello but a minute later the veteran had the chance to make amends when Justin Camilleri bundled Agius in the box. From the penalty, Zammit fired wide.

Two minutes from the end, Vittoriosa's Kurt Formosa, who had just come on for Chitescu, was sent off for a poor tackle. In injury time, Balzan were also reduced to 10 men when Roderick Farrugia was red-carded for a foul on Michael Borg Olivier.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, Jeffrey Chetcuti, J. Spiteri, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu (K. Formosa), H. Makinwa (M. Borg Olivier), Joseph Chetcuti (P. Camilleri).

Balzan: F. Tabone, I. Zammit (L. Micallef), R. Forace, R. Farrugia, J. Francica, C. Micallef, M. Sciortino (D. Fenech), B. Bondin, A. Agius, P. Anizoba, S. Shead.

Vittoriosa.S   0   Marsaxlokk   2

Marsaxlokk moved a step closer to Premier League football after they beat rivals Vittoriosa Stars at the Hibs Stadium yesterday.

Patrick Curmi's side again proved their worth with their intelligent and fast flowing football to confirm they are the best team in Division One.

They were a joy to watch against another strong outfit, Vittoriosa, who like Marsaxlokk would have played top grade football this season, hadn't they been involved in last year's match-fixing case.

Following this defeat, Vittoriosa stayed third a point behind Balzan Youths and St George's and seven behind leaders Marsaxlokk.

The southerners made their intentions clear from the outset with Gary Caruana's drive finishing just wide.

At the other end, a Beppe Muscat drive from just outside the area was blocked by William Camenzuli and from the rebound Clayton Micallef drove the ball over.

Marsaxlokk opened the score in the 14 minute with Malcolm Licari driving the ball home from close range following a magnificent Martin Deanov through-pass.

Vittoriosa failed to hit back and on 34 minutes a Rumen Galabov shot finished just over after a good pass by Peter Pullicino.

Six minutes before the break, a Jeffrey Chetcuti header finished just over from a Leontin Chitescu cross.

Just before the break, Marsaxlokk had more scoring opportunities. The first when Pullicino shot straight at Bonello and then a Camenzuli drive finished wide.

Marsaxlokk continued to dominate the proceedings in the second half and a Pullicino drive was deflected just over the crossbar by a defender.

Midway through the second half Galabov found Camenzuli sprinting from the left flank with his fierce effort being saved by Bonello.

Fifteen minutes from time, substitute Henry Makinwa dashed inside the area but shot straight into the side-netting.

Marsaxlokk wrapped up the points a minute later when Licari anticipated Bonello to squeeze the ball home to the delight of the Marsaxlokk fans.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello; J. Camilleri (M. Borg Olivier), P. Aquilina, J. Chetcuti, J. Xerri, P. Camilleri (J. Spiteri), C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, B. Muscat, E. Vella (H. Makinwa), J. Chetcuti.

Marsaxlokk: R. Debono, M. Deanov, P. Pullicino, M. Licari, L. Grech (D. Carabott), W. Camenzuli, G. Caruana (G. Sciberras), C. Brincat, R. Galabov, E. Yantchev, T. Templeman.

Vittoriosa.S   4   St.Patrick   0

Vittoriosa Stars found little difficulty in disposing of St Patrick to continue with their quest for a promotion place.

After losing to St George's and Melita in their previous outings, the Stars bounced back yesterday to beat a poor St Patrick side that rarely threatened, particularly in attack. Following this latest upset, Alfred Attard's men are still embroiled in the fight to avoid the drop.

The initial stages of the game were devoid of action with both sides opting for a cautious approach and it was St Patrick who had the first shot at goal when Matthew Fleri Soler tried his luck following a Gordon Failla corner but his effort flew wide.

Vittoriosa scored in their first real shot on goal and this came in the 24th minute when Leontin Chitescu's delivery was headed home by veteran defender Jeffrey Chetcuti.

St Patrick tried to react and on 34 minutes Failla's drive was blocked by a defender and from the rebound it was Thomas Caruana who saw his shot going just wide.

Three minutes before the break Vittoriosa made it-2-0.

Beppe Muscat did it all on his own before finding space just outside the Saints box to shoot low into the net, the ball going in via the foot of the post following keeper Sean Mintoff's attempt to save.

Vittoriosa looked the dominant force in the second half and made it 3-0 on 53 minutes thanks to a Chitescu goal after a perfect pass from Jonathan Xerri.

St Patrick were unlucky not to have reduced the arrears a few minutes after Chitescu's goal when a Juergen Farrugia header, from a corner, was cleared off the line by Justin Camilleri with Stars keeper Henry Bonello beaten.

On 67 minutes, Bonello was on the right spot to keep out an Alex Ellul piledriver from outside the penalty area but 11 minutes from time Vittoriosa sealed the issue with a fourth goal scored by Henry Makinwa. He headed home an Elton Vella centre to round off a perfect afternoon for his team.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri, P. Camilleri, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, G. Inguanez (C. Micallef,), B. Muscat, L. Chitescu (W. Grech) J. Chetcuti (E. Vella,), H. Makinwa.

St Patrick: S. Mintoff, M. Pullicino, D. Gauci, M. Fleri Soler (D. Pace), L. Sciberras (A. Ellul), S. Dimech, J. Farrugia, T. Caruana (R. Cassar), D. Milovanovic, G. Failla, Y. Tonna.

Vittoriosa.S   1   Pieta.H   1

Vittoriosa Stars u Pietà Hotspurs ħadu punt kull wieħed wara li temmew il-konfront ta’ bejniethom fi draw ta’ 1-1 bil-goals jaslu wieħed f’kull taqsima. Vittoriosa fetħu l-iskor kmieni fil-partita biex lejn it-tmiem Pietà rnexxielhom jagħ­mlu l-iskor indaqs. B’dan ir-riżultat Vittoriosa niżlu fit-tielet post, punt taħt Balzan Youths, filwaqt li Pieta laqħu lil Mqabba fil-post ta’ qabel l-aħħar.

Vittoriosa fetħu l-iskor wara tmiem minuti meta GARY INGUANEZ għeleb lil Miguel Montfort minn freekick minn pożizzjoni angolata. Pieta bdew isibuha diffiċli jinfdu d-difiza avversarja tant li kienu Vittoriosa li ħolqu periklu ieħor fit-28 minuta meta xutt djagonali ta’ Joseph Chetcuti wara pass ta’ Leontin Chitescu għadda ftit barra.

Vittoriosa baqgħu juru l-aħjar ideat u man-nofs siegħa logħob xutt minn barra l-kaxxa ta’ Leontin Chitescu għada ftit għoli. It-tim mill-Kottonera kompla jinsisti u fis-37 minuta xutt bid-dawra minn qagħda tajba ta’ Joseph Chetcuti ġie sal­vat minn Miguel Montfort.

Wara l-intervall il-logħba kienet kwieta biż-żewġ timijiet jonqsu li joħolqu periklu fuq il-lasta avversarja u ħafna mil-logħob jiżvolġi f’nofs il-ground sakemm, fl-64 minuta, Muhammed Alabi Olalekan qassam lejn l-iżmarkat Matthew Agius li minn qagħda tajba xxutja inkredibbilment barra.

Minkejja li Pietà bdew jippruvaw iżidu l-isforzi tagħhom biex forsi jieħdu xi ħaġa minn din il-partita, fis-77 minuta, kie­nu Vittoriosa li resqu viċin li jirduppjaw meta xutt mill-ġenb ta’ Leontin Chitescu, wara pass ta’ Joseph Chetcuti, ġie salvat minn Miguel Montfort.

Sitt minuti wara, Vittoriosa segħu faċilment irdoppjaw meta Elton Vella kkrossja lejn Leontin Chitescu, dan minkejja li kien f’qagħda ideali naqas li jikkonkludi biex pront daħal Joseph Chetcuti li xxuttja ftit barra. Tliet minuti minn tmiem il-partita, il-Hotspurs irnex­xiel­hom jagħmlu l-iskor indaqs meta s-sostitut ZACK MUSCAT għeleb lil Henry Bonello b’xutt mill-ewwel wara cross ta’ Andrew Scerri.

PIETA H.:M. Montfort, C. Sammut (M. Agius 42), C. Spiteri, B. Sciberras, Q. Refalo, M. Alabi Olalekan, C. Cassar, I. Grech, J. Azzopardi (A. Scerri 76), S. Micallef (Z. Muscat 66), S. Pace.

VITTORIOSA S.: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri, B. Bonnici, P. Camilleri, J. Chetcuti, J. Spiteri, L. Chitescu, G. Inguanez, E. Vella, H. Makinwa, J. Chetcuti.

Vittoriosa.S   0   Melita   1

Melita continued to distance themselves from the troubled zone after beating promotion-seekers Vittoriosa Stars 1-0 at the Tedesco Stadium, yesterday.

The goal that settled the issue came from a second-half penalty scored by George Gribbon after a foul by defender Jonathan Xerri who was sent off.

Winston Muscat's Stars have now lost two games in succession after they were beaten by rivals St George's last week. For their part, Melita chalked up their second victory on the trot after upsetting other promotion hopefuls Balzan Youths in their previous match.

Once again, it was keeper Karl Zahra who contributed richly to Melita's precious victory.

The opening half was a drab affair. Both sides opted for a cautious game, waiting for each other to make the first move.

Melita had an Ives Bilocca shot which nearly deceived the Stars keeper and Vittoriosa's pick was a Beppe Muscat effort from just outside the area that sailed over the crossbar.

Melita had a good opportunity to forge ahead on 34 minutes when Nicolò Baldacchino shot goalwards from a Julian Galea ball but the strike was blocked by Brandon Bonnici. Then, five minutes before half-time, Vittoriosa created four ideal openings to score but found Zahra in their way on each occasion.

The Melita no.1 did well to keep out Muscat's effort and Joseph Chetcuti was also denied by the Amateurs' keeper after a measured Muscat pass. From a corner, Gary Inguanez's firm header was stopped by Zahra and just before the break, the latter was at it again to neutralise Muscat's menacing shot.

Jonathan Mifsud tried his luck for Melita a few minutes from the restart but keeper Henry Bonello was on the right spot to save.

Melita were awarded a penalty on 57 minutes when Xerri brought down Baldacchino in the box. The Vittoriosa player got a red card and Gribbon tucked away the penalty.

The Stars were stunned but regrouped and on 67 minutes a Clayton Micallef drive from 25 metres out was saved by Zahra. A few minutes later, a Henry Makinwa header beat Zahra but Matthew Borg cleared from over the line.

Melita did well to administer the remaining minutes of the match as Vittoriosa lost their cool and also had coach Muscat sent off.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, P. Aquilina, J. Xerri, B. Bonnici, J. Chetcuti, P. Camilleri (L. Chitescu), G. Inguanez, C. Micallef, B. Muscat, J. Chetcuti, H. Makinwa.

Melita: K. Zahra, S. Bonnici, G. Gribbon, D. Gravino, M. Martin, M. Borg (N. Zammit), N. Baldacchino (S. Galea), J. Galea, J. Mifsud, L. Micallef (A.C. Scicluna), I. Bilocca.

Vittoriosa.S  1   St.George's   2

St George's are back in the reckoning for a promotion slot after they beat neighbouring rivals Vittoriosa Stars by the odd goal in three.

It was sweet revenge for the Saints who had been humbled 5-0 by Vittoriosa in their corresponding first-round fixture. St George's were the better side throughout and could have easily scored a more pronounced victory had they taken the chances that came their way.

The first real goal-scoring opportunity came in the 17th minute when St George's striker Anthony Ewurun was put clear by Gordon Spiteri but was blocked by goalkeeper Henry Bonello with the ball finishing in the path of Josef Dalli who saw his shot hit the post.

Joey Falzon's side continued to attack and on the half-hour an Anthony Bonello header was saved by the Vittoriosa custodian.

But a minute later, Vittoriosa took the lead against the run of play. Michael Borg Olivier ran into the Saints area with the ball falling to Joseph Chetcuti who rammed his shot home.

St.George 's continued to push men forward and Ewurun went close by a whisker when he chested down a Glenn Bonello long ball in the area and his first-time effort just missed the target.

In the 43rd minute Vittoriosa threatened when Beppe Muscat had his close-range effort saved by Thomas Galea after some good work by Leontin Chitescu.

In the second half, St George's continued to play in the same pattern of the first 45 minutes and deservedly equalised in the 55th minute when Silvio Sciberras found Glenn Bonello whose first-time effort hit a defender and Dalli headed home from the rebound.

Three minutes later St George's scored what proved to be the winner. They were awarded a corner from which Gordon Mallia headed the ball firmly into the net.

Eight minutes from time, St George's almost hit a third goal when Anthony Bonello brought the best out of Vittoriosa keeper Henry Bonello.

St George's: T. Galea ; E. Sevasta, C. Grech, A. Ewurun (J. Bugeja), E. Amaira, B. Fenech, J. Dalli, G. Mallia, A. Bonello, S. Sciberras, G. Bonello (C. Ciappara).

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello ; P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Camilleri (H. Makinwa), B. Muscat, J. Spiteri, C. Micallef, J. Chetcuti, L. Chitescu, M. Borg Olivier.

Vittoriosa.S   3   Mqabba   1

Despite playing with 10 men, Vittoriosa produced a superb second-half showing to beat Mqabba and go back to the top of the First Division. After a poor first half, during which Mqabba took the lead, Winston Muscat's side hit back strongly to win another three valuable points.

Mqabba looked a determined side and although the initial stages of the match were somewhat boring, they held the edge, passing the ball well and causing some problems to the more quoted Vittoriosa.

Mqabba went close on 11 minutes when Mark Gauci powered his way through but saw his shot saved with a foot by goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Three minutes later a John Paul Muscat volley finished just over the Stars' goal.

Vittoriosa, who were without Makinwa, had Michael Borg Olivier back in attack and gradually they started to find more space to manoeuvre giving the Mqabba rearguard some torrid time.

However, it was Mqabba who forged ahead when Jeffrey Chetcuti was tripped in the box and from the spot Wilson Caushi drove the ball home despite Bonello guessing the right way.

Vittoriosa reacted immediately and only took five minutes to equalise when Borg Olivier beat Kris Calleja with a low, hard drive from the edge of the area.

A minute before the break an argument broke out in midfield with several players involved. When order was restored, the referee red-carded Jonathan Xerri, of Vittoriosa.

Despite the numerical handicap, Vittoriosa started the second half full of promise and guile. They were unlucky on the hour not to take the lead when Joseph Chetcuti's shot was cleared off the line by Omar Grech. From the rebound, Johan Grech's effort was saved by Calleja.

At the other end, Grech found space following a quick break but his shot from an acute angle was cleared by the Vittoriosa rearguard.

The Stars forged ahead 18 minutes from time when Chetcuti hit home following a Leontin Chitescu centre from the right flank.

Six minutes from time Chitescu wrapped the points for the Cottonera side when the Romanian curled the ball home from the edge of the area.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, P. Aquilina, J. Xerri, J. Camilleri (B. Bonnici), J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, J. Spiteri, C. Micallef, J. Chetcuti (P. Camilleri), L. Chitescu, M. Borg Olivier (G. Inguanez).

Mqabba: K. Calleja, P. Grima, P. Borg, M. Gauci, C. Calleja, J.P. Muscat (G. Barry), C. Farrugia (E. Borg), E. Navarro (M. Anastasi), J. Debattista, O. Grech, W. Cauchi

Vittoriosa.S   1   San Gwann   0

Vittoriosa Stars went on top of the Division One standings following a hard-fought victory over San Ġwann.

The goal that settled the issue came mid-way through the first half through former Qormi midfielder Joseph Chetcuti.

At the end of the first round, Vittoriosa are now two points clear of Marsaxlokk, while San Ġwann remained bottom of the standings with only six points.

Both teams played an open match with Vittoriosa enjoying most of the possession during the first half with San Ġwann coming more into the picture after the break.

Vittoriosa could have taken the lead on 18 minutes when Chetcuti was through on goal but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Justin Spiteri.

Vittoriosa forged ahead soon after when Chetcuti nipped in to head home a Pierre Aquilina cross.

But as time went by Joseph Brincat's side started to gain the initiative and on 38 minutes Leeroy Bonnett dribbled past two defenders but his shot was pushed away by Henry Bonello.

San Ġwann kept the initiative after the break and Bonnett saw his long-range shot blocked by the Vittoriosa goalkeeper.

Vittoriosa had to defend en masse as San Gwann contined to venture forward and in the 53rd minute Sergio Hili was denied by Bonello.

San Ġwann came close again on 66 minutes when a Firas Aboulezz free-kick just missed the target.

Vittoriosa were now operating on the counter attack and on 70 minutes Clayton Micallef should have sealed the points but shot straight at Spiteri.

Eight minutes from time, Micallef hit the post from 30 metres as Vittoriosa were sharper on the counter-attacks.

A minute later Micallef again was thwarted by San Ġwann keeper Spiteri when his shot from an acute angle was punched away for a corner.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, P. Aquilina, J. Xerri, J. Camilleri, Jef. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, E. Vella (M. Borg Olivier), J. Spiteri, H. Makinwa (B. Bonnici), Jos.Chetcuti.

San Ġwann: J. Spiteri; M. Cremona, R. Sammut, L. Cumbo, M. Francica, A. Borg, S. Pisani, F. Aboulezz, L. Bonett, S. Hili, R. Sell.

Vittoriosa.S   1   Mosta.FC   1

Much more was expected of Vittoriosa, particularly after Marsaxlokk's partial slip-up in the previous match. But, the Stars failed to shine and finally had to settle for a draw with an improving Mosta side.

The game was balanced with Vittoriosa looking more comfortable when in possession as Oliver Spiteri's Mosta again had to do without goalkeeper Jonathan Debono, Bryan Agius and Kane Farrugia, all suspended.

Vittoriosa started the match with Alex Camilleri in goal, replacing regular Henry Bonello who was on the subs' bench.

The first 20 minutes were rather uneventful and the first real threat came from the Stars when Joseph Chetcuti dashed into the Mosta box but was blocked by young keeper Noel Attard. The ball rolled into the path of Leontin Chitescu who blasted wide.

Mosta responded on the half-hour when Gilbert Martin sped past Jeffrey Chetcuti but his shot fell off target. The Blues were now playing better and on 35 minutes they won a penalty when Martin was pulled down in the box. Mark Briggs beat Camilleri with a low drive from the spot.

Mosta went close four minutes before the break when a Julian Vella cross-shot nearly finished in the path of the unmarked Victor Osobu who failed to make contact inside the six-yard box.

Vittoriosa looked a better lot after the break. A Chetcuti shot was saved by Attard and from the loose ball Beppe Muscat hit over from a good position. At the other end, Mosta almost added a second but Camilleri was quick to dash out of goal to stop Lyden Micallef's charge.

Vittoriosa pressed forward and in the space of a few minutes a contest developed between Chetcuti and Attard, with the keeper coming on top twice following successive shots by the former Qormi playmaker.

The Stars were back on level terms on the hour, however. Chitescu picked up a pass from Chetcuti and curled the ball into the net to make it one-all.

Mosta were stunned and Attard made a fine save to keep out a Chitescu free-kick. Five minutes from time the Romanian was close with a shot from a Makinwa cross.

Micallef's effort from the distance almost had the better of the Stars' keeper as Mosta upped the tempo in the closing stages only for Osobu to miss the target from a good position just before the final whistle.

Vittoriosa: A. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, E. Vella (G. Inguanez), H. Makinwa, J. Chetcuti.

Mosta: N. Attard, A. Borg, L. Stivala, M. Brincat, M. Briggs, J. Vella, L. Grima (T. Vella), L. Micallef, C. Pace (B. Galea), G. Martin, V. Osubu.

Balzan.Y   0   Vittoriosa.S   2

A goal after just 15 seconds and another in injury time were enough for Vittoriosa Stars to return to winning ways as they also consolidated their promotion credentials.

The Cottonera side are now level with leaders Marsaxlokk at the top of the league, even though the southseasiders have a game in hand.

It was an entertaining encounter which saw Balzan play a shade better than their opponents despite falling behind early on.

However, after the break, Vittoriosa controlled the game and went on to seal the three points with a second goal.

Balzan Youths had several players suspended after the rift with Mosta at the end of their encounter last week. Surely the Youths felt the weight on their side as they had the likes of Simon Shead, Rennie Forace, and Jonathan Francica missing. They were also unlucky that they lost Ivan Zammit after 20 minutes and just before the break their new signing Silvan Ciscaldi also had to go off injured.

Incredibly it took only 15 seconds for Vittoriosa to take the lead when Henry Makinwa's header beat Frederick Tabone. Balzan replied immediately and two minutes later Anizoba missed a sitter when shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Balzan continued to dominate the proceedings and Onuorah missed another great chance when shooting wide following a David Carabott cross.

On 22 minutes Vittoriosa came close when a drive from just inside the area by Beppe Muscat was again kept out by Tabone. Minutes later it was the Balzan custodian who again pushed away Makinwa's piledriver.

Just before the break, Balzan went close again when Anizoba beat two defenders but his drive was kept out by Bonello.

On resumption, a Chitescu free-kick found Muscat who with only Tabone to beat headed wide when it looked easier to score. On 55 minutes, another Chitescu free-kick brought the best out of Tabone.

Vittoriosa now upped their momentum and Clayton Micallef's shot was again saved by Tabone.

In injury time Vittoriosa Stars made sure of the points when Chitescu beat Tabone directly from a free-kick.

Balzan: F. Tabone, D. Fenech, R. Farrugia, B. Bondin (L. Micallef), I. Zammit (S. Aquilina), C. Micallef, D. Carabott, S. Ciscaldi (M. Sciortino), M. Onuorah, P. Anizoba, A. Agius.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Camilleri, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, E. Vella (J. Spiteri), G. Inguanez (P. Camilleri), H. Makinwa.

Marsaxlokk   2   Vittoriosa.S   0

F'partita kumbattuta u bilancjata ghal-ahhar kienu Marsaxlokk li hargu fl-offensiva madankollu l-ewwel cans jasal ghal Vittoriosa Stars meta harba ta'  Leontin Chitescu  u jigi mwaqqa f'tarf il-kaxxa u jinghata freekick. Minl-istess freekick kien Makinwa li ra il-ballun tieghu jigi devjat ghal corner.

Zewg minuti wara jergu jkunu Vittoriosa meta Paul Camilleri dahal fil-kaxxa imma kellha tkun harga tajba tal-goaler Xlukkajr li salva tajjeb. Fit-12 il-minuta tasal l-ewwel azzjoni ghal Marsaxlokk meta cross-shot ta' William Camenzuli jghaddi ftit gholi. Minuta wara cross ta' Roderick Bajada lejn Peter Pullicino jigi mwaqqaf mil-goaler ta' Birgu Henry Bonello. Fis-26 minuta xutt mill-boghod ta Camenzuli spicca barra. Fi 38 minuta Vittoriosa resqu vicin minn harba tajba ta' Makinwa li jitfa lejn Camilleri li kien zmarkat izda ix-xutt tieghu spicca gholi.

Fit-tieni taqsima il-partita kompliet tkun sabiha u ikonfermat li konna qed naraw l-aqwa zewg tims tal-ewwel Divizjoni. Fit-52 minuta , freekick ta' Chitescu gie salvat mill-goaler Zammit. Fit 63 minuta freekick iehor din id-darba ghal Marsaxlokk gie mghoti min Deanov izda il-goaler Bonello salva tajjeb. Fil-65 minuta Marsaxlokk marru fil-vantagg meta xutt bomba min 35 metru boghod ta' Deanov ma ta l-ebda cans lil goaler Girbi. Fis-77 minuta Marsaxlokk irduppjaw meta Kokavessis zmarka ruhu min pass tajjeb ta' Deanov u dan b'xutt fil-baxx ma zbaljax.

Fil-85 minuta Vittoriosa setghu naqsu id-distakk min freekick iehor mghotti min Chitescu li ghadda bi zbrixx. Il-partita spiccat 2-0 rizultat li deher xi ftit kiefer mat-team Vittoriosan ghal dak li taw matul 90 minuta.

Vittoriosa.S: H. Bonello; P. Aquilina, B. Bonnici, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, C. Micallef, L. Chitescu, P. Camilleri (M. Borg Olivier), G. Inguanez (C. Cachia), H. Makinwa.

Marsaxlokk: G. Zammit; W. Camenzuli, C. Brincat, E. Yantchev, C. Mamo, F. Raimy, P. Pullicino, G. Sciberras (L. Grech), R. Bajada (T. Templeman), M. Deanov (M. Licari), D. Kokavessis.

Vittoriosa.S   1   St.Patrick   0

Jekk din il-loghba kienet vetrina tal-istat tal-football Malti, allura ninsabu verament fil-qiegh tal-qiegh. Il-wirja ta’ Vittoriosa, li qed jaspiraw li jirritornaw fil-Premier kienet wahda medjokri, izda xorta kienet wahda ferm ahjar minn taz-Zabbarin.St.Patrick jinsabu fi krizi profonda fejn il-bierah sofrew ir-raba’ telfa konsekuttiva, u ghar-raba’ loghba konsekuttiva naqqsu milli jsibu x-xibka avversarja. L-ikbar problemi taz-Zabbarin huma fl-attakk fejn fin-nuqqas ta’ Thomas Caruana m’hemm hadd li jista’ jkun ta’ periklu ghall-avversarji.Il-coach Zabbari pprova lil Yanis Tonna u Alex Ellul izda tista’ tghid li Bonello ma kellux x’jaghmel.

Vittoriosa kienu salvati biss minn Chitescu, u minn goal li seta’ gie evitat, biex grazzi ghal dawn it-tliet punti telghu momentarjament fl-ewwel post. Vittoriosa kellhom lil Elton Vella mkecci tmien minuti mit- tmiem izda z-Zabbarin m’gharfux japprofittaw.

Il-loghba kienet verament kwieta biz-Zabbarin ikollhom iktar mil-loghob fl-ewwel parti. Wara ftit minuti kien hemm protesti miz-Zabbarin meta Yanis Tonna deher jaqa’ wara kuntatt ma’ Johann Spiteri. Simon Zerafa kellu freekick jghaddi ferm gholi ghal lasta difiza minn Henry Bonello. Lejn nofs it-taqsima Vittoriosa bdew jiehdu kontroll tal-loghba fejn bdew izommu taht pressjoni lill-avversarji. Fil-25 minuta Fleri Soler ghal ftit m’ghamilx autogoal f’attentat biex jikklerja kross perikolu] ta’Makinwa. Fil-35 minuta l-goalkeeper Zabbari Sean Mintoff kien attent meta mblokka mill-vi/in konklu]joni ta’ Beppe Muscat. Ftit minuti wara xutt mill-boghod ta’ Chitescu mar ftit gholi.

Fil-45 minuta Vittoriosa  marru fil-vantagg meta kross ta’ CHITESCU ma kien intercettat minn hadd bil-ballun jispicca fix-xibka. It-tieni taqsima kompliet b’ritmu kwiet izda wara ftit minuti lob perikoluz ta’ Failla kien salvat b’diffikultà minn Bonello. Fit-52 minuta rajna azzjoni tajba ta’ Vittoriosa meta Clayton Micallef bidel il- ballun ma’ Chitescu qabel venven xutt li kien salvat minn  Mintoff b’titjira sabiha. St. Patrick ghamlu t-tliet bidliet disponibbli bl-ahhar wahda ssir wara li wegga’ Yanis Tonna. Freekick ta’ Robert Cassar kien salvat minghajr wisq diffikultà minn Bonello.

Il-loghba kompliet tkun monotona izda kwarta mit-tmiem Vittoriosa kienu ferm perikoluzi meta daqqa ta’ ras ta’ Elton Vella kienet imblukkata minn fuq il- linja mid-difensur Ryan Mifsud. Fi spazju ta’ ftit minuti kien hemm azzjoni kull naha minn freekicks moghtija minn Chitescu u Robert Cassar izda fiz-zewg kazi l-mira kienet wahda ghal kollox zbaljata. Tmien minuti mit-tmiem Vittoriosa kellhom lil Elton Vella mkecci wara li dan ikkometta foul fuq Simon Zerafa, fejn jidher ukoll li ghadda xi rimarki lill-ufficjal tal-loghba. Minkejja dan il- vantagg numeriku z-Zabbarin ma resqux lejn Bonello biex Vittoriosa ikkontrollaw il- loghba minghajr ebda problema.

Vittoriosa: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri (K. Formosa), J. Xerri, P. Aquilina, J. Chetcuti, B. Muscat, J. Spiteri (G. Inguanez), L. Chitescu, E. Vella, C. Micallef, H. Makinwa (P. Camilleri).

Vittoriosa.S   0   Pieta.H   0

Vittoriosa Stars iwaqqu l-ewwel punti tal-istagun kontra Pieta Hotspurs. Vittoriosa jistu jhossuwhom sfurtunati li ma fethux l-iskor meta assedjaw il-lasta avversarja ghal hinijiet twal imma il-lasta cahdithom darbtejn u il-goaler ta' Pieta kien impekkabbli f'hafna okkazjonijiet.

Il-bidu tal-partita kien wiehed kwiet ghalkemm wara 3 minuti, Vittoriosa Stars kellhom l-ewwel cans meta xoghol tajjeb ta' Makinwa li jizmarka lil Clayton Micallef li wahdu mal-goaler jizbalja kompletament. Ftit minuti wara Pieta irrispondew meta Cleavon Cassar xuttja gol-goaler Girbi. Mal-hin Vittoriosa Stars bdew izidu fil-loghob taghhom u bdew jibnu attakk wara l-iehor. Fis-27 minuta Johann Spiteri jitfa cross fil-baxx lejn Makinwa izda dan tal-ahhar min pozzizjoni ideali jitfa inkredibbilment barra. Tlett minuti wara kien l-istess Makinwa li ghal darba ohra jizbalja min azzjoni tajba bejn Elton Vella, Johann Spiteri u l-istess Makinwa. Fis-37 minuta cross tajjeb ta' Clayton Micallef ikun il-goaler ta' Pieta Miguel Montoford li jcahhad lil Vittoriosa min goal cert fuq daqqa ta ras ta' Elton Vella. Fis-60 minuta xutt fil-baxx ta' Pierre Aquillina jkun salvat mill-goaler ta' Pieta. 5 minuti wara xutt bomba ta' Clayton Micallef  jistampa il-minduda bil-goaler meghlub.

Vittoriosa Stars komplew jasseddjaw il-lasta avversarja imma ghal darba ohra kienet il-lasta milli cahdithom min goal cert meta fis-77 minuta, kien Elton Vella li xutt tajjeb tieghu jahbat ma sieq il-lasta. Il-pressjoni bdiet tikber u sa tmiem Birgu marru vicin drabi ohra permezz ta' Beppe Muscat u Makinwa. Minkejja hafna tentativi il-rizultat baqa dak ta' 0-0 li forsi  kien xi ftit kiefer mat team tal- Birgu.

Vittoriosa S: H Bonello; J Camilleri (M Borg Olivier), J Xerri, J Chetcuti, P Aquilina, P Camilleri (B Muscat), J Spiteri, L Chitescu, E Vella, C Micallef (G Inguanez), H Makinwa

Pieta’ H: M Montfort; C Sammut (M Vella), C Spiteri, J Delia, S Zampa, S Grech, C Cassar, D Mifsud (M Agius), I Grech, J Azzopardi (Q Refalo), M El Jadei

Vittoriosa.S   4   Melita   2

Vittoriosa Stars jaghmluhom tlieta  minn tlieta meta ghelbu lill Melita wara li kienu goal min taht. Wara biss 2 minuti il-goaler ta Melita Matthew Sapiano salva tajjeb minn freekick ta Henry Makinwa. Minuta wara cross ta Beppe Muscat ikun ghal darba ohra il-goaler ta Melita li klirrja barra. Minn l-istess corner  daqqa ta ras ta'   Leontin Chitescu tghaddi barra.

Kontra x-xejra tal-loghob Melita jifthu l-iskor fit-13 il-minuta f'azzjoni bejn Luke Fenech, Julian Galea u  Nicolò Baldacchino Orlando b'dan tal-ahhar jikonkludi fix-xibka. Fit-23 minuta Birgu jersqu qrib minn daqqa ta' ras ta' Clayton Micallef  tghaddi ftit barra. Fl-40 minuta Vittoriosa kisbu il-goal ta draw permezz ta' Chitescu minn cross ta' Makinwa.

Wara dan il-goal Melita sofrow daqqa ta' harta meta tkecca  Kane Micallef. Wara din it-tkeccija Birgu skurjaw darbtejn permezz ta' Elton Vella u Henry Makinwa. Meta il-partita dehret maghluqa ghal darba ohra Baldacchino Orlando jiskurja ghal Melita u jaghmel l-iskor 3-2. Hawhekk Melita pruvaw jipressaw ghal goal ta' draw izda ghal darba ohra ikun Leontin Chitescu li jissigilla ir-rebha ghal Birgu fi skor finali ta' 3-2.

MELITA: M. Sapiano, S. Bonnici, N. Zammit (L. Micallef), G. Gribbon, M. Martin, K. Micallef, N. Baldacchino Orland, J. Galea, L. Fenech, I. Bilocca (T. Terpougoff), D. Gravino

VITTORIOSA S: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri, P. Aquilina, J. Chetcuti, J. Xerri, B. Muscat, J. Spiteri, L. Chitescu, E. Vella (G. Inguanez), C. Micallef (M. Borg Olivier), H. Makinwa (P. Camilleri)

Vittoriosa.S   5   St.George's   0

Vittoriosa Stars laħqu lil Mosta fil-quċċata tal-klassifika b’pun­ti massimi minn żewġ logħbiet wara li umiljaw lil St. George’s bl-iskor ta’ 5-0.

Vittoriosa fetħu l-iskor kmieni fil-partita biex minn hemm ‘il quddiem ma ħarsux lura u taw pjaċir lill-partitarji numeru­żi tagħhom. Min-naħa l-oħra St. George’s iddiżappuntaw fejn din kienet it-tieni telfa konsekuttiva.

Vittoriosa ma setax kellhom bidu aħjar għax wara biss żewġ minuti huma fetħu l-iskor meta xutt ta’ Beppe Muscat wara azzjoni bejnu u Henry Makinwa ġie mblukkat mid-difiża, il-ballun wasal f’saqajn CLAYTON MICALLEF li b’xutt mill-ewwel spara fix-xibka.

St. George’s dehru maħsuda, tant, li fl-14-il minuta Vittoriosa rduppjaw meta Clayton Micallef qassam lejn LEONTIN CHITESCU li b’xutt minn tarf il-kaxxa għeleb lil Thomas Galea. St. George’s ippruvaw jagħ­mlu reazzjoni u ftit wara xutt minn barra l-kaxxa ta’ Glenn Bonello ġie salvat minn Henry Bonello.

Fit-23 minuta reġgħu kienu Vittoriosa li resqu viċin meta xutt ta’ Henry Makinwa ġie salvat mill-goalkeeper tas-Saints. Fil-35 minuta, it-tim imexxi minn Winston Muscat żied gowl ieħor meta xutt minn barra l-kaxxa ta’ Johann Spiteri ġie salvat parzjalment minn Thomas Galea u mir-rebound CLAYTON MICALLEF tefa’ fix-xibka.

It-tieni taqsima bdiet fuq nota kwieta sakemm f’temp ta’ minuta bejn it-62 u t-63 minuta Vittoriosa żiedu żewġ goals oħra. Fil-fatt fit-62 minuta Clay­ton Micallef zmarka lis-sostitut MICHAEL BORG OLIVIER u dan b’xutt fil-baxx għeleb lil Tho­mas Galea. Minuta biss wa­ra Vittoriosa reġgħu sabu x-xibka avversarja meta wara az-zjoni bejn Leontin Chitescu u Clayton Micallef, BEPPE MUSCAT ikkonkluda fix-xibka mill-viċin.

Tliet minuti wara St. George’s kienu sfortunati li ma naqqsux l-iskor meta xutt ta’ Gordon Mallia ġie miżmum mill-mimduda u mir-rebound ix-xutt ta’ Anthony Ewurum ġie salvat minn Henry Bonello. Wara dan il-gowl il-logħba naqqset mir-ritmu biex sat-tmiem l-iskor baqa’ma nbidilx.

VITTORIOSA.S: H. Bonello, B. Muscat, J. Camilleri, J. Spiteri (C. Cachia 70), L. Chitescu, H. Makinwa (M. Borg Olivier 51), J. Chetcuti, E. Vella (J. Felice 75), B. Bonnici, P. Aquilina, C. Micallef.

ST. GEORGE’S: T. Galea, D. Ga­lea (C. Schiavone 39), A. Bonello, S. Sciberras, E. Sevasta, C. Ciappara (J. Dalli 67), N. Caruana, A. Ewurum, G. Mallia, G. Bonello, E. Amaira.

Vittoriosa.S   1   Mqabba   0

Vittoriosa Stars jibdew b'rebha...Mat-tisfira inizzjali iz-zewg timijiet hargu fuq l-offensiva u kienu Mqabba li marru vicin meta wara 7 minuti Claudio Calleja ircieva ballun minghand Martin Anastasi izda il-konkluzzjoni tieghu kienet zbaljata. 3 minuti wara regu kienu Mqabba u l-istess Calleja li rcieva ballun fit-tul minghand il-goaler Kris Calleja izda il-goaler ta Vittoriosa Stars Henry Bonello kien attent.

Mal-hin Vittoriosa Stars bdew ikunu aktar avventuruzi u bdew jitfu lid-difiza ta' Mqabba taht pressjoni u fis 37 minuta kien Chitescu li xehet lejn Henry Makinwa li zbalja l-mira. Tlett minuti wara kien Brandon Bonnici li tefa cross tajjeb u daqqa ta' ras ta' Johann Spiteri giet mcahhda min goal cert b'save tajjeb ta' goaler ta' Mqabba Calleja.

Wara l-mistrieh Vittoriosa Stars komplew jinsistu ghal goal u meta Beppe Muscat deher jahrab bil-ballun kellu jkun tackle sabih tad-difensur ta' Mqabba Mark Anthony Psaila li jisraqlu il-ballun. Minuta wara, xutt mil-boghod ta' Vilson Caushi jispicca barra.

Fit 78 minuta wasal il-penalty li bih Vittoriosa Stars hadu 3 punti importanti meta Elton Vella qasam tajjeb lejn Muscat u dan gie mwaqqa fil-kaxxa min Joseph Fenech u referee jordna penalty. Chitescu inkariga ruhu mil penalty u mill 11 il-metru ma zbaljax. Fl-ahhar battuti tal-partita Mqabba resqu vicin li jiksbu draw meta cross ta'  Caushi lejn is-sostitut Glenn Barry b'daqqa ta' ras mar vicin li jaghti punt lil Mqabba.

Mqabba: K. Calleja, M. Bonnici, P. Grima, P. Borg, M.A. Psaila, S. Magro, C. Calleja (V. Caushi), J.P. Muscat, J. Fenech (E. Borg), O. Grech, M. Anastasi (G. Barry).

Vittoriosa.S: H. Bonello, J. Camilleri, J. Xerri, J. Chetcuti, B. Bonnici, B. Muscat, J. Spiteri (K. Formosa), L. Chitescu, E. Vella (C. Cachia), C. Micallef, H. Makinwa.