In this mid week fixture The Under 17 could only field 11 players all born 1994 as the remaining registered players were unavailable for various reasons.

 

In spite of this Fgura had a dream start as debutant Kursten Chetcuti opened the score in the opening seconds as he was put through. However inside the tenth minute Sta. Venera equalized from the penalty spot. Jeslan Caruana could have restored the lead from the spot too but his central and feeble shot was saved by the keeper. However the team soon made amends from a well taken direct free kick by Antonino Mazzonello. Just before halftime the keeper failed to connect, trying to clear away with his feet a high ball, with Sta. Venera equalizing scoring in an unattended net.

 

In the second half Sta. Venera looked the fresher team as they could utilize their players on the bench. They took the lead through a powerful drive. In the course of the half they hit the crossbar and had a ball cleared off the line by Ismahel Tabone. Fgura too had their moments with Mazzonello on one occasion failing to rightly coordinate on a loose ball, concluding wide.

 

The boys will end their first round matches of three on Saturday when they face neighbours St. George’s.