Versity Tal-Qroqq      1

Pawla Wolves           0

Unexpected result but on the commitment, discipline and performance Versity were merited winners against arrogant opponents who found themselves dumped and humiliated. Based on the current way Versity are playing it was expected that they will provide stiff opposition but the way they shared proceedings and played (considering the fact that they were also missing a number of valid players) belied even the most of their optimist players that they could grind out a positive result. 

Missing Cutajar, Bugeja, Ellul Soler, Williams amongst others apart from their mentor Camilleri, coaching duties fell on Zammit and Grima. Deploying the now trademark 4-5-1 (based on Camilleri’s instructions) they definitely are to be commended for instilling in the squad a belief that a positive result could be achieved against one of the top 3 teams in the first division.

Versity played with an unchanged flat back four consisting of Sciberras playing on the right who as usual is very solid giving assurance at the back and Salerno on the left flank who nullified threats arising on his side were complimented with the central duo of Bonanno and Grima. As usual Bonanno took on the general defensive duties positioning himself well to clear any dangers whereas Grima blotted out the main striker and covering any other threats.

The central midfield trio was made up of the returning Ferrante, Muscat (first season start) and Schembri. The flanks saw Calleja on the right and Sammut on the left. The former were effective in shielding the defence and orchestrating the offensive moves. Calleja as usual was industrious on the flank causing headaches to the Pawla rearguard with his running and dribbling whilst Sammut created that necessary width, depth to stretch the right flank of the Wolves rearguard. Mifsud was once again the sole striker but he managed to keep his opponents busy with his movement and runs allowing for the effective midfield incursions to find space towards goal.

Pawla Wolves started on the offensive to try a find an early breakthrough in order to set the tempo. However, Versity countered this well and the team remained disciplined, harassing their opponents and not allowing them to settle down in order not to give them time on the ball. Apart from some runs which were well controlled by the defence and midfield the team from Paola were restricted to some distant shots. It was Versity who really threatened with some interesting passing moves whereby the midfield trio carved out some interesting moves playing the ball well to the flanks and causing some anxious moments in the Paola defence. Around the 25^th minute mark a ball was won in defence and Ferrante spotted Midfsud’s run and his pinpoint pass was followed well by Mifsud who tried to lob over the onrushing goaler who somehow touched the ball which remained close to Mifsud who with his back to his net made an excellent overhead kick and the ball planted itself in the back of the net. The Paolites were dumbfounded by this goal but Versity had already made their intentions known and now they hit bull’s eye. Versity regrouped in order to counter the reaction but any forays by their opponents were well dealt with. 

The second half started off in similar fashion to the first. Versity controlled whereas the Wolves huffed and puffed to find an opening. Versity were forced around the 10^th minute to change their centre-half Grima who limped off seemingly with a muscle pull. Till then he had a good match closing all avenues towards his goal. On came Zammit who took a midfield position whereas Ferrante went into the heart of the defence to partner Bonanno. Muscat, Sammut and Calleja continued causing problems to Paola and thus Versity kept the Paola rearguard on their toes. From a resultant Paola Wolves corner kick around the 65^th minute Bonanno together with C Zammit managed to break away and after running the length of the pitch they were within scoring position but somehow the Wolves defender recovered ground pulled back Bonanno from the neck thus thwarting his effort which could have given Versity a double lead. Inexplicably the referee gave a foul against Versity. The versity player protested for the foul he sustained and this infuriated the Wolves defender who lost control trying to hit Bonanno on various occasions. The referee had no choice but to red-card the Paola player. However, threatening language from the Paola Wolves players could be heard from a mile away and this seemed to condition the Versity players who seemed to lose momentum with Paola wolves taking control of midfield and match proceedings. Bonanno had to be replaced in view of muscular problems as well and R Zammit came in. With around 8mins remaining the Paolites tried hard to break the deadlock and Versity went through some difficult moments whereby Agius produced no less than 3 top class saves to deny the Wolves from the equalizer.  The referee blew the whistle and Versity ran out winners. It was a sigh of relief since the last moments were hard for Versity

Overall Versity played a cautious match in view of the fact that their opponents field a number of seasoned players, have a better stamina preparation and are all round physically stronger. However, Versity countered this with an effective display and they more than managed to have their own say, neutralizing their opponents on most occasions and running out winners and the plaudits went all were for their players. It was also a historical moment for this minnow team since it was the first time they eliminated a heavyweight. Surely, this is a moment to treasure for the players and club alike.

Formation:

D Agius [7.5] – Good saves to deny Pawla Wolves;

E Sciberras [7.5] – Tenacious as always;

K Bonanno [7.5] – Resolute giving nothing away;

D Grima [7] – Generous;

M Salerno [7] – Hard working;

R Ferrante [7.5] – Directed proceedings;

I Calleja [7.5] – A menace on the flank;

M. Muscat [7.5] – Calm and composed;

A Sammut [7] – Linked play well;

R Schembri [7] – Effective in his central role;

A Mifsud [7.5] – gritty display;

Subs:

R Zammit [6] – Late cameo;

C Zammit [6.5] – Dynamic;

Coach & technical staff:

D Grima and C Zammit [7.5] – team well deployed to overwhelm the opponents

Scorers:

Aaron Mifsud

Versity Player of the match: So many played well but will opt for Karl Bonanno. He covered acres at the back and had an assured performance giving confidence to his mates.