29/02/2008 18:00
Fgura United FC vs Mdina 1-0

photo by maltafootball.com

Fgura managed to register a double on 2nd place Mdina K, inflicting the third defeat in the Knight's campaign by winning 1-0 with the goal being notched by young Claudio Pace.
 
Fgura feared the worst, because of a lot of defections, the coach had to invent a makeshift formation. Ivan Cassar had to fill the libero position for suspended Clint Ellul.
 
Rodney Galea played in the unusual role of stopper. Claudio Pace made again the initial line up. Bordieri making his return in the first eleven since November. Besides Ellul, Fgura missed also the services of Mark Sammut and Ivan Pace injured, Kevin Cachia, Vince Testaferrata and Patrick Muscat all unavailable.
 
Fgura shared the spoils early in the match and creating the best chance when a Matthew Spiteri off target shot was intercepted by Garzia who deflected the ball inches wide. However Garzia made amends when dribbling round two defenders in the box and sending an inviting cross to Pace who with the calmness of a veteran eluded the intervention of the goalkeeper and slotted the ball in the net.
 
Mdina had their best spell in the first 15 minutes of the second half by hitting the upright with the keeper beaten who minutes later came to the fore when saving a penalty after Galea was caught shoving an opponent in the penalty area.
 
Fgura managed to absorb the initial pressure and started operating on swift breaks with Garzia lobbing above the goal keeper but missing the target by inches and later his curling shot hitting the beam. A late attempt by Said saw the goalkeeper fumbling the ball prior to its crossing over the fatal line.
 
This is a vital win in the aspiration of reaching the third place. Fgura now lay 4th just two points behind Attard and Mdina.