Versity faced St Antony’s in their first meeting against foreign opposition and produced a very good performance resulting in a flattering victory at the end.  St Antony’s played against Mtarfa on Thursday and lost the encounter 3 – 1.  They were thus well geared that they make amends in the second encounter and leave Maltese soil with a victory. However, Versity had other thoughts and sent St Antony’s empty-handed.

Camilleri was limited in choice since certain players were unavailable and only had one substitute for deployment.  However, the available players gave a very good account and played well against physical and well trained opponents.  Camilleri opted for a 3-5-2 formation which was fluid enough to shift into 3-4-3. Camilleri used this match to try some new things and seems that the results were quite positive.

As the game got underway St Antony’s seemed to have the upper-hand in the early exchanges and went close through some neat play and from dead ball situations.  Versity took time to settle in and started slowly to gain territorial advantage and cause some trouble to the opponent’s rearguard. There were some interesting surging runs from Bugeja, Schembri and Zammit whereas by Baldacchino on the right had a continuous duel with Grima (who was loaned out in view of an injury to one of St Antony’s players). However Versity could not penetrate and after squandering some other half chances the first half finished in a stalemate.

Versity seemed to settle in better as the second half started especially with Cutajar controlling the tempo and distribution of the ball.  Bugeja, Zammit, Schembri and Calleja (who was given a more advanced role in second period) created more space and Versity started to control proceedings in better fashion. In fact after around 7 minutes from the restart Versity went ahead courtesy of Sammut who turned in style a shot from the edge of the box.  A brilliant effort by the lanky winger to add to his other goal scored in a recent league match and put Versity ahead.  Barely 5 minutes had elapsed that Versity doubled the score. A good cross was well met by Bugeja who placed well at the far post.  St Antony’s were stunned by this one-two but were far away from demoralized.  A good run by Grima on the left gave the possibility for the forward to reduce the gap but somehow he shot over the bar. In another attack Agius saved well and from the resultant corner kick the attacker all alone somehow misdirected his header.  You miss and you may well pay for it and so it was. Grima changed ends with Salerno (who had a very good outing as one of the 3 centre backs) to play some time with his teammates.  Versity pressed on the pedal and they earned a penalty kick. From the spot Zammit’s shot was weak and saved by the goaler.  However, Versity were not to be undone and few minutes later Zammit made up for his error and scored the third which basically sealed the encounter in favour of Versity.  Whilst Versity were enjoying their outing, St Antony’s looked for the consolation goal.  However Versity’s rearguard well led by Bonanno and aided by Bonnici & Grima with the supporting Baldacchino and Sammut kept them at bay.  Claims for a penalty were unheeded by the referee and as Versity were playing some fluid football they notched the fourth when a loose ball fell just inside the area and Baldacchino was well positioned to fire in.

The final whistle brought the match to an end and Versity have to be lauded for a well played match and deserved victory. The score line might be a bit flattering considering the early chances of St Antony’s together with some other second half misses but the game can be harsh and Versity know something since they lost and drew matches in view of failing to find the net from numerous occasions they created. Hopefully the scoring habit remains there and Versity continue on this route to earn victories in the upcoming Swan League commitments.

Formation:

D Agius [6.5] – assuring between the posts;

B Baldacchino [7] – tireless and opportunistic goal;

K Bonnici [6.5] – bustler;

K Bonanno [7] – commanding;

M Salerno [6.5] – solid performance;

A Cutajar [7.5] – orchestrated midfield;

I Calleja [7.0] – inspiring;

P Bugeja [6.5] – skilful & well headed goal;

C Zammit [6.5] – generous & cheeky goal;

A Sammut [6.5] – roamer & great goal;

R Schembri [6.5] – vision in passing;

Subs:

D Grima [6.5] – valid contribution;

Coach & technical staff:

D Camilleri [7] – well deployed tactics, experimented and got results whereas players responded well

Versity Player of the match: A Cutajar – Back to his best. Started match slow but gained momentum in combining skill and vision. He dictated matters and Versity were on song.