Lija Athletic   2  :  1   Pietà Hotspurs 

H.T.: 1 : 1

    04 Oct 2007 - 18.30hrs. - Centenary Stadium

  Match Report »

• The Lija Athletic Under 18 team started its much awaited adventure in Malta's premier youth section with a very unexpected win over the current Maltese youth champions, Pietà Hotspurs. This is only the first season ever that a youth team from Lija will be participating in Section A, and the Athletic could not have dreamt of a better start to this very difficult campaign among the big guns!

• Metaphorically speaking, this encounter versus the current champions of the section seemed nothing less than a David vs Goliath clash to the modest Lija side, that was in dire straits until just a few months ago.

• The first fifteen minutes of the game were very balanced indeed until on 22 minutes, the Lija goal-keeper, Josuel Caruana came to the rescue of his side with a beautiful save from a distant volley.

• Pietà were close at taking the lead at this point, but it was Lija who forged ahead on 26 minutes following a fast counter-attack that took the Blues' rearguard by surprise. Lija forward, Mark Cremona broke free from his markers and managed to beat the Pietà goalie with a firm grounder - 1-0.

• Barely four minutes later, M. Cremona had a seemingly regular goal disallowed for an offside position.

• Lija kept insisting and in the 35th minute, Paulvic Xuereb missed an incredible sitter from an insidious header.

• On 36 minutes, the Hotspurs finally produced a decent reaction. Following an intelligently taken free-kick, their Cleaven Cassar had the better of Lija goalie, Caruana, with a powerful volley that hit the back of the net from a considerable distance.

« Half-time score: 1-1 »

• The first instances of the second period saw Pietà completely outclassing Lija with superb ball control and great tactical discipline. Nevertheless, the Hotspurs were rarely threatening upfront.

• On 50 minutes, it was the crucial intervention of Lija Athletic defender, Matthew Degabriele that prevented the Reds from conceding a second goal.

• Some time later, the Lija goalie performed an incredible save at point-blanc.

• In the 63rd minute, Lija Athletic were very unlucky. Mark Cremona made a good run and dribbled past two Pietà defenders before seeing his shot on goal being somehow fumbled by the Pietà goalie and also hitting the upright.

• Instances later, the Pietà custodian performed a good save following a Lija corner.

• The Reds' insistence and tremendous fighting spirit paid off fifteen minutes from time. Cremona managed to beat the offside trap and scored a spectacular goal after rounding off the Pietà goalie beautifully. The ball was inside the back of the net and the score was 2-1 in favour of Lija, much to the joy and disbelief of the Lija clan and supporters.

• More drama followed later when five minutes from time, Lija once again hit the post following another fine solo run by the tireless Mark Cremona.

• It was party time for Lija at the final whistle. The Lija lads fought bravely and earned a historic victory that shall be remembered for many years to come. Well done Reds!

« Full-time score: 2-1 »

 © Report by Samuel M. Cutajar

 Scorers »

26'	Mark Cremona (Lija Athletic)
36'	Cleaven Cassar (Pietà Hotspurs)
75'	Mark Cremona (Lija Athletic)

 Formations »

 LIJA ATH.  J. Caruana - C. Muscat - D. Mizzi - M. Cremona - D. Gauci - R. Grech (89' A. Dingli) - M. DeGabriele - P. Xuereb - N. Scerri - A. Scicluna - C. Agius.

 PIETÀ H.  K. Vella - C. Cassar - C. Farrugia (81' M. Schembri) - G. Busuttil - R. Buhagiar (65' R. Refalo) - R. Grippa (57' A. I. Tsankov) - F. Sulas - D. Musu - D. Kokavessis - S. Micallef - C. Mc.Kay.

Referee »

 Adrian Caruana

 Lija Athletic Player Of The Match »

 Mark Cremona (9)

 Next Fixture »

 24-Oct-2007 :: vs San Ġwann U/18 :: 20.30hrs. :: Centenary Stadium

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