Zebbug stun misfiring Champions

Zebbug Rangers defeated Valletta 3-2 in the first match at the Hibernians Stadium in what turned out to be a resolute performance from Alfonso Greco’s men.   Striker Luke Montebello who was facing his team after going out on loan, found the net as he notched his team’s third goal.

This was a devastating blow for the Champions in what was a miserable all-round performance.  This result sees the Champions lose further grip on second place should Birkirkara win their match on Sunday.

Zebbug were most definitely the most positive team on the pitch with Valletta looking a pale shadow of their usual selves.

Mauricio Britto had an effort saved by Valletta keeper Pietro Marino, and at the other hand, Jonathan Caruana effort failed to hit the target from a Nafti cross.

Zebbug were dangerous throughout the first half and they took the lead on 26 minutes when Mathias Muchardis’ swinging corner kick beat Marino.

Nine from the end of the first half, on loan keeper Bartolo pushed away a good Nafti free kick.  From the resultant corner taken by the same player, Azzopardi hit wide from an angled position.

On the brink of half-time, Nafti advanced unmarked in the opposition’s area with his shot blocked by Bartolo.  From the ensuing counter attack, Zebbug scored their second.

Valletta were again unsure at the back as Montebello’s pass into was saw Dimech miscuing the ball, and Yussuf was there to beat the Valletta keeper.

Six minutes into the second half, Valletta were unlucky not to score as Caruana passed the ball to Barry with the Gambian’s shot going off target.

Ryan Fenech pulled one back for the Champions on 60 minutes whose precise shot gave Bartolo no chance.

However five minutes later Zebbug restored their two goal cushion.  Muchardi was the assist man as his good pass through the middle found Montebello who beat Marino with ease.

Bajada went close to reducing the gap for Valletta but his curling effort hit the crossbar.

A mistake by Steve Borg almost handed Zebbug their fourth goal with the Malta defender being dispossessed by Montebello who passed to Britto with his low shot being parried away by Marino.

With seven minutes remaining,  Valletta were back in the game when young substitute Kurt Borg who replaced the disappointing Dimech, headed home from a Barry corner.

BOV Man of the Match: Matthias Muchardi

Floriana Vs Pieta