Versity Tal-Qroqq      0

Vittoriosa Lightnings   1

(Half-time 0 – 0)

Playing in their third match of the campaign, Versity Tal-Qroqq were intent to produce a good performance in order to get back to winning terms. The team’s deployment and attitude were spot on but the final result still failed to produce the desired dividends. 

Camilleri, the Versity tactician, fielded a more cautious team with 4-5-1 formation. This deployment was effective since Versity exchanged proceedings with their opponents and in the first half were even slightly better since they managed to carve out the best scoring opportunities.

The back four saw the return of Bonanno on the right whereas Sciberras played on the left with Cutajar and Grima filling in the central slots. Cutajar marshalled the defence well apart from some few hesitant moments. The defence with Grima in fine form and the tenacious Sciberras and Bonanno kept their opponents at bay who hardly had a sight on goal. The central midfield made up of Ferrante, Bugeja and Williams combined well to limit the opponents forays and start the attacking moves. Sammut and Calleja gave the necessary width for Versity to use although Calleja had to retreat more than once to limit the forward thrusts of the overlaps effected by the Vittoriosa rearguard. Mifsud playing as the lone striker was more often than not out muscled by the opponents defence but through the midfield incursions, Versity found alternative ways to move into their opponents danger zones.

Early proceedings were studious but aggressive with both sets of player’s intent on not allowing their opponents an early march. Early on the Versity’s rearguard were called upon to repeal some penetrating moves although on one occasion Grima was booked for a late challenge on the advancing striker. However, toward the halfway mark of the first half Versity fashioned out a few nice moves, first of which was a good run by Sammut who was sent tumbling down by the Vittoriosa rearguard. A clear scoring opportunity was stopped. However, to the dismay of Versity the Vittoriosa player was only shown a yellow card when a red card was fully justified. A pity since this could have changed the face of the match. Versity continued with their ascendancy and another well played ball found Williams in space whose lifted shot was touched by the goaler and skimmed the post. However no corner was given!! Yet another chance came to Bugeja who found himself on his less preferred right foot and opted for a low shot which however was well blocked by the advancing goal keeper. Other half chances were created but as the referee blew the whistle for half time Versity knew that they should have at least opened the score.

The 2^nd half saw Vittoriosa charge out to find an opening. They used the flanks better to open up the Versity defence. Versity’s rearguard complemented by their midfield, were closing down most of the avenues. However, Versity conceded the goal on the 50^th minute when from a free kick the goaler was hesitant on his excursion, Cutajar let his opponent steal a march on him and the ball found itself at the back of the net. Versity were not to be discouraged and they regrouped to go in search of the equalizer. However, Vittoriosa were menacing on the counter and in one such occasion it had to be the alert Grima who somehow managed to avert an awkward situation. Versity once more shaped other scoring opportunities and chances were created for Sammut and Mifsud but they could not find the net. Some changes were effected with C Zammit coming on for Sammut, R Zammit for Williams and Buttigieg for the injured Ferrante. Towards the end the last best chance carved by Versity saw R Zammit miss a golden opportunity when all alone in the 6 yard box his first time shot went wide. Unfortunately that was the last great opportunity for Versity as shortly afterwards the final whistle brought an end to an interesting match   

Once more Versity finished on the losing end and events do not seem to favour this cosmopolitan team. One can surely see that they play their hearts out, fear no-one, they know their football, but for all their efforts the current rewards are few. Once maybe lady luck looks nicer on them, they become more clinical in front of goal, officials get the big decisions right then Versity could start hoping for a better return in terms of results. However, the team should look forward to their next encounters whereby if they pull together they will surely be again in a good position to challenge their more quoted opponents.

Formation:

D Agius [6] – Hesitant in conceded goal;

K Bonanno [6.5] – Covered his lines well;

A Cutajar [6] – Could be better;

D Grima [8] – Assertive;

E Sciberras [7] – Tenacious;

A Sammut [6.5] – Generous;

I Calleja [7.5] – Industrious;

S Ferrante [8] – Midfield maestro;

P Bugeja [7] – Good moves;

C Williams [6.5] – Tried hard;

A Mifsud [6.5] – Out muscled by opposition;

Subs:

C Zammit [6] – Late cameo;

C Buttigieg [6] – Toothless;

R Zammit [6] – Lost good chance;

Subs not used:

M Salerno; R Schembri;

Coach & technical staff:

D Camilleri [7] – team well deployed but let down by poor finishing

Versity Player of the match:

David Grima – hardly put a foot wrong with an aggressive performance to blot out the opponents strike force.