The return to league action after an absence of almost 2 months due to engaging in the Christmas Cup competition was done in a hard fought but merited victory against another valid opponent.  Versity Tal-Qroqq managed to close off the 1^st round commitments undefeated with 3 victories and 3 drawn matches.  This continues to show that in the current season Versity intend to be challengers and contenders for the final honour. 

Camilleri was limited in choice in view of some absentees due to illness or work commitments but still had a valid squad to choose from.  In fact one can say that the depth in squad is allowing Camilleri to be able to field a strong formation and be competitive notwithstanding certain missing elements. A strong bench of reserves is also allowing him to be able to change things around during matches and ensure freshness through a match.  As customary Camilleri continues to start with the 4-5-1 formation which shows enough flexibility to alter to a 4-3-3 offensive formation as required. 

The opening exchanges saw a nervy Versity maybe still under the influence of Yuletide festivities with a gap being created between the defensive and midfield lines. The defense had to be on alert with Grima, Bonanno, Salerno and Buttigieg working hard to avoid conceding an early breakthrough from their opponents.  However, the frail central midfield gaps whereby Cutajar, Vella & Williams could not give the right balance were exposed and Paola took the lead midway in the first half.  Some fine exchange of passes left the Versity back line exposed and the Paola striker rounded the keeper for the Paolites lead.  Things started to improve as Versity sought better balance in the midfield department with Vella not at his best getting better as the game wore on.  The injury to Cutajar was untimely as he was having a fine outing.  However, Camilleri has a strong bench to count on and R Zammit was introduced who in turn had a fine game throughout. Versity hit back with better approach work and the Paola keeper had to distinguish himself with some fine saves the best coming from Williams who had the goaler at full stretch.  However, Versity were not to be denied and were rewarded around the 30^th minute when constant pressure found Mifsud who was having a fine match on the left flank with some space and he shot towards goal which took a slight deflection and got Versity back on level terms.       

The second half started off with Versity determined to take the game to their opponents and get the lead.  Camilleri opted for a second substitution early in the second half and off came Fiorentini who had a quiet game and on came Scerri whose contribution came almost immediately as his battling qualities allowed him to dispossess an opponent and he opened for Camilleri who dribbled past his direct opponent and lofted a cross into the danger area where Williams unmarked himself, controlled and shot to goal for Versity’s lead.  The tiring Williams was withdrawn with around 20 minutes remaining and on was C Zammit to give fresh pace.  His contribution was also immediate as another tantalizing cross from Camiilleri found Scerri who tried to turn past the marker but his shot hit the upright but C Zammit was on hand to poach in for Versity’s third.  Versity seemed to be cruising as their opponents could not hold out against Versity’s fine game.  Versity could have increased the lead even further but Mifsud, Camilleri, Scerri and R Zammit could not find the killer touch to some fine moves.  Instead Versity who were controlling well defensively allowed their opponents to get back into the match as a long ball into their penalty area was not well dealt with by Agius and Grima and the Paola striker took advantage to score and bring the result at 3 – 2.  This allowed a nervy finale but the Versity rearguard held out and Versity ran out deserved winners.

This was an utmost important result since it pushed Versity to second place in the standings with the upcoming match next weekend against the leaders.  Versity should be encouraged yet again for another positive outing where they showed determination, grit and willingness to get positive result.  The Versity players whether those who start or who come off the bench should continue to show unity and give their best since ultimately it will be for the good of the team and not for the glorification of any one individual.  Now Versity have to show the same approach to the upcoming match to try and beat Marsa and thus go first.           

Formation:

D Agius             [6.5] – satisfactory;

C Buttigieg         [6.5] – Solid;

K Bonanno         [6.5] – Generous;

D Grima             [6.5] – Reliable;

M Salerno          [6.5] – Steady;

A Cutajar           [6.0] – Injury cut short his game;

A Mifsud            [7.0] – thwarted opponents;

A Camilleri         [7.5] – constant threat;

R Vella              [6.0] – worked hard;

C Williams         [6.5] – dependable;

L Fiorentini        [5.5] – subdued;

Subs:

R Zammit          [6.5] – good vision;

C Zammit          [6.5] – valid contribution;

D Scerri             [6.5] – combative;