In their second preparatory match Versity Tal-Qroqq met Valletta Stars a first division outfit. This should have turned out to be a stern test for Versity since their opponents have a number of seasoned players within their ranks. The final outcome however, turned out to be of a completely different nature and although Valletta fielded a second string squad, they were never expected to be dealt with a humiliating and embarrassing result.

Relying on a 4-4-2 (changing into a 4-1-3-2) system Camilleri, the Versity coach demanded a committed display from his players and he couldn’t have asked for more. Between the goalposts there was the returning Agius who after missing the first friendly couldn’t have asked for a better return since he has a calm morning as he was rarely tested through out the match. Camilleri opted for a flat back four with Sciberras and Caruana playing on the left and right respectively whereas Grima and Bonanno made up the central duo with the use of a holding midfielder shielding the defence. This was undertaken alternately by the central pair Ellul Soler and Ferrante who between them tore to pieces the Valletta midfield with their slick control, composed passing and overall movement. Their dynamism was excellent since they protected the defence whilst on the other hand they provided the offensive artillery. On the flanks Sammut on the left and Buttigieg on the right gave the required width for the team to move the ball around and make their opponents chase the ball on a continuous basis. In attack the duo Mifsud and Zammit were in rampant mood as between them they shared no less than seven goals.

Back to the game, Versity immediately made their presence felt and within 2 mins were 1-0 up. Mifsud timed well his run to evade his marker and slot nicely from a Buttigieg pass. Hardly 5 mins elapsed and Versity were 2-0 up. A through ball seemed to be well covered by the Valletta goaler but somehow he mistimed his foray and Zammit was quick to capitalise. On 15 mins Valletta got themselves back in the match when they managed to outwit Versity’s defence and slot the ball in for 2-1. However, from then onwards it was one way traffic and Versity managed to find their opponents net a further four times through Mifsud (2), Zammit and Sammut. Valletta made some sporadic attacking movements but these were ably dealt with by the Versity rearguard. As the referee signalled half-time the game was as good as over.

On the change of ends it seemed Valletta came out to try and minimise the damage and maybe reduce the deficit to respectable levels. However, Versity’s central midfield tandem was in a day of grace and it was a joy to see the way Ellul Soler and Ferrante dictated matters to the frustration of their opponents who where more often than not chasing shadows. The tempo declined on a pitch which was heavy and patchy due to the overnight rainstorm. However, Versity continued to show the better ideas making the most of their one man advantage. As the match drew towards the last 15 minutes Versity scored and went into seventh heaven when Zammit notched his personal hat-trick and a few moments later it was Mifsud who made it eight scorer of a personal poker. However, the last say was left to the man of the match Ellul Soler who from a corner controlled delightfully and sent an exquisite shot on the far post for a resounding 9-1.

With a game plan executed to perfection, an imperious result, the clubs personal record smashed (albeit being a friendly), Versity should look forward with cautious optimism for the forthcoming season. If Versity’s coach Camilleri, renowned for his tactical preparation and acumen manages to instil self-belief and ensure that his squad, plays as a unit as they have shown over the past 2 matches then they should fear no-one. Considering the fact that Versity had other important elements missing such as Calleja, Williams, R Zammit and Bugeja just to name a few the team can aspire for a positive season. However, the real examination will be the opening league encounter in a week’s time when Versity’s true credentials and potential will be put to test.