|
Written by Ian Sansone
|
|
Thursday, 27 March 2008 21:05 |
|
Balanced Derby
After a disappointing first round derby the second round match had a different story to it. It was a very balanced game and although the game ended 2-1 in favor of the Knights Mtarfa played very well and were actually in the lead for a good part of the match. Mdina seemed to control the initial stages of the game but as minutes ticked on Mtarfa started creating there own chances. In actual fact it was Richard Attard who created a great opportunity for goal. In the 25th minute he was denied his 7th goal of the season when his solo effort was cleared off the line by the Mdina defense. Mdina retaliated shortly after with a powerful shot that scraped just over the bar. Mtarfa eventually took a deserved lead in the 38th minute when Joseph Farrugia rifled home directly from a free kick to end the first half one up. Mdina could not accept this and pressed on to equalize. They were close in doing this right after the break when they managed to hit the post. Their persistence paid off in the final 10 minutes of the game when on the stroke of the 80th minute their substitute Francalanza managed to equalize. He managed to score again 5 minutes later to complete a brace and put the Knights into the lead and eventually win the game. Though we lost I believe it was a fine performance by the lads and they definitely deserve the thumbs up. Let’s hope this fine performance can repeat itself in the next encounter against Ghaxaq. Winning this game would bring us closer to salvation so the team needs all the support they can get…… |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 March 2008 21:15 )
|
|
|
Written by Ian Sansone
|
|
Tuesday, 04 March 2008 12:51 |
|
Back to Winning Ways
“If I don’t die of a heart attack today, I never will !!!!”… These were the words of the coach towards the end of the game and I totally agree……Mtarfa managed to win their second game of the season to get them closer to safety but it was a painful and breath taking victory but at the end of it a well deserved one. Mtarfa could not start the match in a better way as we were already 2 goals up in just 2 minutes into the game. Right from kick off Giorgio Cumbo perfected a through pass on the left flank to Johann Briffa who in return crossed to Mario Stivala to head home for Mtarfa to go 1 up. A minute later Richard Attard put Mtarfa further into the lead this time from the right flank placing a low shot to the left of the goal line after and excellent solo effort. From than on it was a ping-pong situation with both teams having their chances but it was Zejtun that managed to pull one up towards the end of the first half for the score to end 2-1 in favor of Mtarfa. The Corinthians came back into the field more determined than ever as they were taking control of the game and continuously putting pressure on our defense. Against all odds they in fact managed to go into the lead in a span of 2 minutes when they scored 2 goals in the 61st and 62nd minute of the game ,the latter being a penalty, to go 3-2 up. But the game did not end their. The lads did not give up hope as they new that the team had to obtain points to try and avoid relegation. Their persistence paid off in the last 2 minutes with 2 great goals from Johann Briffa and Richard Attard to earn the team its second victory of the season. Mtarfa now have 6 points 3 less than Zejtun and Ghaxaq .With a little determination I am sure we can manage to avoid the last place…… We can start this by trying to obtain points from our next encounter against Fgura on the 6th of March. Supporters see you there. |
|
Written by Ian Sansone
|
|
Thursday, 21 February 2008 10:05 |
Fine Display against Zebbug
After an embarrassing game against Attard of which I felt I had nothing to comment about, Mtarfa had another tough encounter against the leaders of section A Zebbug Rangers. Many thought that this game would be a repetition to the previous one but to everyone’s surprise our lads performed a fine display and only went down by the odd goal for a final score of 3-2.Zebbug started off the game on a perfect note as they managed to go into the lead after only 1 minute from the blow of kick off. However Mtarfa FC made a deserved come back in the 4th minute when a perfect cross from Giorgio Cumbo found Mario Stivala ready to place a low pass to Josef Briffa who from close range did not fail to equalize. The draw did not last long as Zebbug managed to go once again in the lead in the 8th minute. After such an exciting start to the game when 3 goals were scored in just 8 minutes the teams started to settle in and slow down the momentum. However towards the end of the first half Mtarfa had a chance of equalizing through a point blank shot by Johann Briffa that was saved with difficulty by the Rangers keeper. The second half started off were we left at half time and the play of game was rather balanced with both teams creating their own chances. Though on the 59th minute Zebbug increased their lead. Although 3-1 down the lads did not give up hope and they managed to pull one back in the 71st minute when substitute Richard Attard fired home a superb long range shot that shocked the Rangers. Mtarfa tried hard to try and equalize but the experienced Zebbug players managed to take control of play especially when we were reduced to 10 men after our central defender was shown the red card. The game ended 3-2 in favor of Zebbug and to the contrary to what most newspapers said I personally do not think it was a deserved victory as Mtarfa played their utmost and with a little more persistence could have avoided leaving the ground empty handed. I believe the team’s performance is a clear message that we are not an easy team to beat as it may seem. Next encounter on 28th February is do or die match against Zejtun . We definitely need to win should we wish to avoid the relegation. Supporters are more than welcome…. |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 February 2008 10:14 )
|
|
|
|
