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3rd Round
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Zebbug Rovers FC 2 - 2 Victoria Hotspurs FC |
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94th minute goal save Zebbug from second defeat Thursday, 8th April 2004, at the Gozo Stadium, 4.30pm leaders Zebbug Rovers FC faced a tough test against Victoria Hotspurs FC. This match kicked off the third and final round of the Easyline GFA 1st Division League. Zebbug were more offensive but at the end of the day they had to wait till the 94th minute to level the score. They had more goal scoring chances but Hotspurs’s goalie made some spectacular and important saves, while early in the match they hit the post too. On the other hand Hotspurs had to defend their lead with ten men in the second part of the match as Mizzi was shown the second yellow card. They were under pressure and could do nothing on the fourth minute of the injury time. Referee of the match was Mr Anton Zammit and his assistants were Mr George Portelli and Mr Paul Apap. Zebbug went on the offensive early in the match and on the 6th minute Touali concluded wide. On the other end Xuereb saved in time Ogbodo’s pass before it could be concluded. Four minutes later Cordina persisted on a personal action but was unlucky with his conclusion which hit the post. Later Vella saved Leandro’s cross before any of the strikers could conclude.
On the 26th minute Hotspurs went ahead. Grima’s cross was punched by Xuereb but Ruben Mercieca’s shot to the low corner of the net gave his team the lead. Zebbug reacted immediately for this goal and on the 33rd minute they were close to level. Touali, on a fast break, fired the ball but Vella saved. Four minutes later the same goalie made another good save on Eboh. Three minutes in the injury time, Zebbug leveled the score as Sylvan Galea headed in Leandro’s cross.
Zebbug, in the second half were more offensive and in the first five minutes Galea went close on two occasions but his shots went wide. Than on their first opportunity, Hotspurs took the lead once more. Cauchi fouled Said in the penalty area and from the penalty spot, as usual, Victor Egere did not miss.
Zebbug were confused in their conclusions. Leandro went close but his shot was blocked to a corner by Buttigieg. On the 23rd minute Galea concluded wide Leandro’s cross. One minute later Hotspurs were down to ten men as Mizzi was shown the second yellow card of the day and was ordered out of the pitch by referee Zammit. Zebbug pulled everyone up to level the score but were not well organized, even due to the time limit. On the 33rd minute Mario Azzopardi went very close but Vella saved very well his shot. Two minutes later the same goalie saved again on Touali from short distance. Vella was called again in action on the 42nd minute as he intercepted Cardona’s cross before anyone could conclude. Finally in the fourth minute of the injury time, Zebbug saved their day and their second defeat of the league as a through pass by Touali was cleared by Hotspurs defense but Sylvan Galea headed to the back of the net to the joy of Zebbug players, coach and supporters.
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