Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/943656
52 maltatoday SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2018 Sports FOOTBALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG Valletta advance to FA Trophy semi-finals Valletta sealed their place in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy after securing a 2-0 win over Zejtun Corinthians Valletta.........................2 Zejtun C. .......................0 WARREN ZAMMIT THE Premier League side started the match as clear favourites. However, they were conscious that they needed to score early in order to make life difficult for Żejtun Corinthians. In fact, Danilo Don- cic's line-up showed that Valletta's aim was to go on the offensive from the first minute. The citizens took control of pos- session from the start, but were finding it difficult to break Żejtun who were solid at the back. Valletta's first chance was cre- ated on the 21st minute. Denni Rocha Dos Santos hit a shot from a free-kick that sailed wide. Denni had a great chance to send his side ahead two minutes later. Following a cross from the left, the Valletta forward finished over from close range. This was the prelude for the goal as Valletta went ahead on the 25th minute. Kyrian Nwoko hit a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that gave Dunstan Zarb no chance. On the 27th minute, Matteo Piciollo won the ball at the heart of Żejtun's defence before firing a shot that took a deflection off a de- fender and went out for a corner. Three minutes later, Miguel An- gel Alba hit a powerful drive from distance that was blocked by Zarb. Żejtun hit back one minute pri- or to half-time. Adrian Carabott served Brooke Farrugia and the latter sent a strong shot that ended up off target. Valletta started the second half looking to score their second goal and went close on the 47th min- ute. Michael Mifsud received the ball inside the penalty area and hit a shot that was neutralised by Zarb. The Corinthians had another rare chance on the 68th minute. From a free-kick, Omar Elhussie- ny fired a shot that was saved by Henry Bonello without much dif- ficulty. Doncic's side sealed the issue on the 70th minute. Alba sent a cross from a free-kick that was met by Steve Borg whose header went in- side the net. Valletta kept on insisting and created another opportunity on the 71st. Denni fired a shot from a free-kick that was parried by Zarb. On the 83rd minute, Gianluca Sultana of Żejtun attempted a shot from distance that was neu- tralised by Bonello. In the remaining minutes, Val- letta remained the stronger side to take a deserved win. Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Juan Gill Cruz, Michael Mifsud (Rowen Muscat – 66), Matteo Piciollo (Al- bert Prosa – 66), Kyrian Nwoko, Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre, Joseph Zerafa, Denni Rocha Dos Santos, Claudio Pani, Miguel Angel Alba (Russel Fenech – 84) Żejtun Corinthians starting line- up: Dunstan Zarb, Clayton Giord- maina, Andrea Scozzese, Omar Elhussieny, Neil Tabone, Johanal- berto Castano (Junky Sato – 34), Adam Smeir, Brooke Farrugia (Gi- anluca Sultata – 68), Diego Alba- nese, Yessous Camilleri, Emerson Vella (Adrian Carabott – 38) Referee: Philip Farrugia Assistant Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, William Debattista Fourth Official: Jude Admin Ututlu Yellow Cards: Miguel Angel Alba (Valletta), Clayton Giordimaina (Żejtun), Claudio Pani (Valletta), Steve Borg (Valletta)