U*Bet FA Trophy: Valletta 4 Floriana 1 Published on: 07-02-2009
VALLETTA FC
Saturday 7th February, 2009 - 19:00hrs - National Stadium
VALLETTA F.C. Andrew Hogg |
FLORIANA. F.C.
Steffen Suessner Steve Bonnici Sunday Eboh Julian Briffa Clyde Camoin (Jermian Brincat) Luke Agius Orosco Anonam (Dylan Zarb) Pablo Doffo Owen Bugeja Ryan Darmanin Paolo Rogerio Da Silva (Marlon Briffa) |
Scorers:
1' Pablo Doffo (F)
90' 92' Paolo Massaro (V)
105' Ryan Darmanin (F)
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
1' Pablo Doffo (F)
90' 92' Paolo Massaro (V)
105' Ryan Darmanin (F)
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
|
Valletta move to the semi-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy after eliminating arch rivals Floriana through penalties.
Floriana had newly signed goal keeper Steffen Suessner making his debut. Only few seconds of the game have passed when Paolo Rogerio Da Silva was floored inside the area by Luke Dimech. The referee ordered a penalty for the Greens and from the spot Pablo Doffo made no mistake.
Valletta started making pressure on their opponents; a short from a long distance by Roderick Briffa was saved by the Green’s goal keeper. A few minutes later Sebastian Monesterolo failed to levelled matters for the Citizens after receiving a perfect cross from Cleavon Frendo but his shot was saved by Suessner.
On the 10 th minute Roderick Briffa’s header hit the top bar. On the 12 th minute Steffen Suessner performed another excellent save on Monesterolo’s effort. On the 30 th minute, Monesterolo was unlucky once again when his shot hit the foot of the post after picking a cross from Doding Priso. The Green’s goal keeper produced more saves as Valletta kept their opponents under pressure.
On the 33 th minute Paolo Rogerio da Silva’s was tackled by the city’s defender Kenneth Scicluna just outside the box.
Nine minute before half time Valletta nearly scored the equaliser, Steve Bezzina’s pass cross reached Roderick Briffa but the latter’s effort was snatched at goal-line by Steffen Suessner.
Early in the second half the City’s coach exchanged Ian Zammit for Justin Grioli. Floriana nearly made it 2-0 on the 72 nd minute following a cross from the right by Marlon Briffa that was miraculously saved off the line by Kenneth Scicluna.
Just when it seemed all over for the Citizens, Paulo Massaro levelled matters for Valletta. In the last minute of stoppage time Brazilian Paulo Massaro fierce effort from the right beat goal keeper Suessner. An equalizer that sent the City fans wild in celebration.
After two minutes of extra time Valletta took the lead, Paul Massaro lobbed the ball over the Green’s goal keeper after receiving a pass from Edmond Agius. Valletta’s lead lasted only 15 minutes, Pablo Doffo’s free kick from the right found Ryan Darmanin who slotted the ball past goal keeper Andrew Hogg.
Edmond Agius received marching orders by the referee on the 113rd minute after receiving a second yellow card. In the dying minutes of extra time the Green’s goal keeper continued to perform great saves after saving a long shot by Jamie Pace.
The match was then decided on penalties. The Greens managed to score one penalty out of three while Kenneth Scicluna, Paulo Massaro, Ian Zammit and Jamie Pace all scored for the Citizens.
07.02.09 |
