FA Trophy | St Andrews 1 – Sliema Wanderers 3

The first half produced very few chances on goal with both teams sharing possession inside the centre of the pitch.

In fact, the few supporters present at the Hibs ground had to wait till the 26th minute to witness the first chance on goal. Kevaun Atkinson of St Andrews hit a shot from distance that was neutralised by Glenn Zammit.

The Wanderers replied on the 33rd minute. Frank Temile sent a cross in the direction of Jefferson De Assis whose effort went inside the net. However, the referee ruled out the goal due to a foul that took place inside the penalty area.

The scenario changed completely in the second half as St Andrews forged ahead on the 46th minute. Aidan Friggieri delivered the ball towards Atkinson who went inside the penalty area and hit a low shot past Glenn Zammit.

Sliema equalised on the 49th minute. From a corner, Temile delivered a cross inside the penalty area that was met by Nikoale Milinceanu who headed the ball inside the net.

John Buttigieg’s side kept on insisting and threatened again on the 54th minute. Temile hit a shot from the left side of the penalty area that failed to hit the target.

Ten minutes later, Sliema had a great chance to go ahead. Milinceanu was played through on goal, and the latter ran inside the penalty area, but found Yenz Cini in his way.

On the 74th minute, De Assis went on the left side and delivered a dangerous cross that went across the frame of goal as Milinceanu failed to make contact with the ball.

St Andrews responded on the 77th minute. Joseph Farrugia saw his shot from a free-kick hitting the upright and ending up over.

Two minutes later, Milinceanu had another good chance as the Moldovian forward headed slightly over following a cross from the left.

Sliema’s efforts paid off on the 80th minute. Temile received the ball from Milinceanu and fired a low shot that went inside the bottom corner.

  De Assis sealed the issue for Sliema in the additional time.  The Sliema forward went through goal and placed the ball behind Cini.

St Andrews starting line-up: Yenz Cini, Adrian Borg, Travis Blagrove (Jacob Walker – 66), Tristan Grant, Matthew Gauci, Martin Davis (Alexander Satariano – 87), Joseph Farrugia, Misael Miranda Gomez, Aidan Friggieri, Kyle Butler (Kemar David Reid – 54), Kevaun Atkinson

Sliema Wanderers starting line-up: Glenn Zammit, Stefano Biancardi, Frank Temile, Peter Xuereb (Mark Scerri – 69), Jefferson De Assis, John Mintoff, Michele Sansone (Gabriel Aquilina – 90), Matias Muchardi, Ricardo Calisto Correa, Goran Adamovic, Nikoale Milinceanu (Ryan Spiteri – 83)

Referee: Fyodor Zammit

Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, Sammy Attard

Fourth Official: Matthew Degabriele

Yellow Cards: Kyle Butler (St Andrews), Kevaun Atkinson (St Andrews), Adrian Borg (St Andrews), John Mintoff (Sliema), Stefano Biancardi (Sliema), Tristan Grant (St Andrews), Frank Temile (Sliema)