Fgura United Pre-Season Tournament

Posted on Thursday 2nd September

This year's tournament came to an end with Senglea A finishing top with maximum points after defeating Sta. Venera L 3-1. It was the Saints who took the lead inside the first four minutes when Andrew Hili concluded from an ideal position inside the penalty area. Athletics drew level in the 22 minute Robert Adami cut through the blues defense from a Jason Cassar fk to connect and beat the keeper. Some minutes before Gorcalves was foiled by the keeper and the woodwork from close range.

Senglea A took control of the match and created a number of chances although not in a flamboyant fashion of the previous match but two late goals in quick succession from Robert Adami and Kevin Galea fifteen minutes from time confirmed the dominion of Senglea A in this tournament who were presented with the winners trophy at the end of the match by Fgura United's senior Vice-President John Pavia.

Referee Utulu cautioned Gareth Magri (6871 - Senglea A), Glenn Tanti (14595 - Senglea A) and Rudy Carbonaro (17822 - Sta. venera L) for late tackles and Beppe Vella (19517 - Sta. Venera L) for tripping and sent off late in the match Samuel Cassar (14529 - Senglea A) for swearing.

In the last match of the tournament Fgura were again involved for the third consecutive match in a row which ended 2-1. This time they were at the loosing end as Marsa emerged on the winning side to overtake Fgura United to finish second in the final classification on four points. Fgura U garnered three points while Sta. Venera L finished with one point.

Marsa scored twice almost in the same fashion in the first twenty minutes when agile Yusif Abduah made the most of an unsettled Fgura defence to make room and beat the onrushing goalkeeper. Coach Degabriele made some tactical changes with Fgura putting up some pressure on the Marsa defence with Hales having some good opportunities which went bagging. Midway through the second half Fgura scored their goal when Spiteri let loose a fierce shot which gave brave keeper Brincat no chance. Chances were created at both ends but the scoreline did not mutate further.

Steve Buhagiar (17820) and Shaun Spiteri (18465) Marsa were booked for late tackling and pushing while Vince Testaferrata (2454) and Rodney Galea (13806) Fgura were flashed the yellow card for late tackling and tripping an opponent respectively