Created on Saturday, 24 September 2005 10:12

Sannat Lions started the Division I campaign on a very good note by obtaining full points from their match against SK Victoria Wanderers. I was a hard earned victory for Sannat, as they only managed to make sure with a goal scored in the final stages of the match. Although the two teams played in the lower division, Sannat seemed more experienced and took full advantage of Victoria’s moments of distraction during the match. Sannat Lions came out more aggressive and in the initial stages they created pressure over their opponents, where their Brazilian striker Ricard Saverino was a continuous threat to Victoria’s rearguard. In the 6th minute a header by Sannat’s Cristiano de Oliveira ended just wide and minutes later a good shot by Saverino was well saved by goalie Marlon Mercieca.

Victoria improved their deployment and started to control better. However, near the end of the first half Sannat regained command of play and were dangerous in the 37th minute when Saverino escaped the offside trap, dribbled the goalkeeper but hesitated to conclude so that his final shot ended wide. Other shots by the same Saverino and Mahjoub Touali ended just over the crossbar. Sannat opened the score in the 48th minute. Victoria’s goalie Mercieca failed to hold a freekick by Touali and Noel Borg took advantage of the lose ball and placed in goal from an angled position.

The Lions kept insisting and in the 52nd minute they were awarded a penalty. Saverino’s shot was only blocked by goalie Mercieca, the ball hit Kingsley Benafi’s hand and the referee ordered the penalty. Ricardo Saverino converted from the spot kick and the Lions seemed more at ease.However, Victoria regained confidence and managed to reopen the issue three minutes later. Debutant Ichiogu Nnadi entered the area from the left flank, his shot hit the post and from the rebound Daniel Muscat guided the ball in goal. Play now became more interesting and in the 59th minute a goal by Victoria’s Daniel Muscat was disallowed for an offside infringement. Victoria were unlucky not to obtain the equaliser in the 72nd minute when a long ranged strike by Philip Cardona was stopped by the crossbar.

In the final stages of the match Sannat tried to control play an operated with fast breaks while Victoria insisted to level the score. In the 79th minute Daniel Muscat’s shot from outside the area ended just wide, and Sannat replied with an effort by Saverino which also missed the target. Sannat made sure of the victory with a goal scored in the 82nd minute by Ruben Mercieca, who lobbed over the goalkeeper from the edge of the area following a short clearance by the defence. Sannat were now in the driving seat and in the 88th minute a goal by Noel Borg was disallowed for handling by the same player. Referee: Mr. Paul Apap