Kalkara FC vs. Versity Tal-Qroqq

Date: 15^th November 2007

Venue: Zabbar

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All square in lively encounter

Kalkara FC               1

Versity Tal-Qroqq      1

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Sponsors:

Mitsubishi Motors; Philip Toledo IT Solutions; Ristorante Sottovoce – M’Skala

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In view of a rescheduling of matches which left Versity playing only one competitive match to date, a friendly was organised to bridge such an unexpected problem and for this purpose a match was organised against MFA 3^rd division outfit Kalkara FC. An interesting match which eventually had no winners or losers, saw Versity Tal-Qroqq, missing some players such as the influential Ferrante and others such as Bonanno, Sammut, Cutajar amongst others were the better side but the Versity front line was culprit of too many missed chances which led to their inability to win the match against an opponent who used this match to give a run to its second string, upcoming and emerging young and less established players.

Versity’s coach opted to tinker around with his module and went for a 3-4-3 formation which at times also alternated to a 3-1-4-2. The system was well managed by the squad who showed superiority for most of the match and the 5-man midfield ensured a good cover on the defence whilst ensuring dominance of the midfield area to enable a continuous foray of attacks.

Generally Versity were dictating proceedings with Schembri, Ellul Soler, Zammit and Caruana taking command of midfield and spraying passes around for the advanced wingers Williams and Bugeja to make inroads from the flanks. Chances were created on numerous occasions but although getting into good positions the main central striker Mifsud failed to find the back of the net. In goal there was a confident performance by Abdilla who provided safe handling in the few situations he was called upon whereas the backline made of Salerno, Grima and Sciberras carried their duties well and restricted their opponents only to few sporadic moments of incisive moves and distant shots since more often than not they managed to prevent their opponents of a clear sight of their goal.  

The first half saw a lots of Versity possession but toward the middle of the half sustained pressure by Kalkara reaped a few corners and from one such dead ball situation the kalkara centre half made good contact and with a well directed header opened the scoring. Versity surely can blame themselves for poor marking and something which Camilleri should draw attention back at the training grounds. Although Versity regrouped they failed to make the breakthrough. The movement was well, the ball neatly passed but the last pass or shot failed to reap the necessary dividends.

In the second half Camilleri brought on Zammit (for Caruana) and Buttigieg (for Ellul Soler). Zammit was given the responsibility to flank Mifsud up front whereas Williams was dropped deeper into midfield to make up for Ellul Soler. This did not affect the game plan of Versity although they did lose the shielding of Caruana in front of the defence. However, this was compensated for by a more compact midfield trio. Bugeja, playing in a more central role in this period showed his class and was at the centre of the major moves whilst ensuring that the midfield does not lose composure. His skill and vision is surely an asset for this squad. Early in the second half Versity got the deserved equaliser when a well treaded pass found Mifsud who this time round did not miss the target. This was the 4^th consecutive match in which Mifsud scored a commendable feat although even better finishing would see him score even more goals.     

The match continued swaying from one end to the other but at the end of the evening both teams had to contend for a draw. Versity will probably recriminate more but they spurned too many chances. On the positive side an important thing is that the chances are being created and that shows that Versity are managing to open up their opponents and find a route towards the opponents’ goal. The Versity squad needs some polishing in front of goal in order that they get just rewards for their commendable performances.

Formation:

C Abdilla [6.5] – reliable;

M Salerno [6.5] – solid;

D Grima [6.5] – tenacious;

E Sciberras [6.5] - industrious;

D Caruana [6] – hard working;

P Bugeja [7.5] – creative flair;

J Ellul Soler [7] – good vision;

C Williams [7] – effective;

R Schembri [6.5] – fitted well;

R Zammit [6.5] – dependable;

A Mifsud [6.5] – generous;

Subs:

C Buttigieg [7] – good movement;

C Zammit [7] – pace & penetration;

Coach & technical staff:

D Camilleri [7.5] – made good use of friendly test.

Scorers:

A Mifsud;

Versity Player of the match: Paul Bugeja – orchestrated play very well with an authoritative display in central midfield.