Pembroke Athleta win Noel Muscat Cup

Swieqi United and Pembroke Athleta met in the second edition of the Noel Muscat Cup – amid an enjoyable atmosphere at the Pembroke Athleta training grounds. The two teams played in front of a sizeable crowd with Second Division side Pembroke emerging as clear winners with the score of 2-0.

Swieqi started strongly and tried to contain last year’s Third Division Champions, but on 11 minutes a Lydon Cilia freekick found Jonathan Mifsud who, completely unmarked, netted into the far left corner and leaving the Swieqi United custodian stranded. Swieqi United subsequently gained the upper hand and held possession for long patches, but the Pembroke defence rebounded any attempt at their goal.

The second half saw both teams undergoing several changes in their playing XI, but this did not prevent Pembroke Athleta from doubling their lead through a delicate lob by the nippy Lydon Cilia. The action flowed up and down the pitch with both teams defending and counter-attacking.

Pembroke Athleta were awarded the Noel Muscat Cup by Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat, who thanked both clubs for their competitive participation and stressed the the importance of fair play. He concluded by highlighting the fact that football clubs had an important role to play in providing a good environment to all their players, irrespective of age, so that they may lead a healthy and active life in society.