Fgura Tournament kicks-off

The 12th edition of the Fgura United FC Pre-Season Tournament kicked off this afternoon with hot favourites and second division side Senglea Athletics registering a 2-1 win over hosts Fgura United FC.

It was an interesting encounter with Fgura giving a good account of themselves succumbing to two soft goals conceded in each half. Both teams had key players missing but still the match served its purpose as coaches Faure and Degabriele respectively had another opportunity to assess the material in their folds.

Senglea took an early lead when just after four minutes lethal Timmy Thomas pounced on a ball which young keeper Bianco failed to hold to tap in an empty goal. Fgura did not loose heart and shared the spoils with Nazzareno Abela missing a good opportunity and a dipper from Rodney Galea in one of his many forays down the right flank, hitting the crossbar.

Despite the heat, the game was played in a fast tempo, especially in the first hour or so. Senglea doubled the score when Alan Spiteri made the most of a defensive error. The second goal killed any hope of a Fgura comeback, however the boys in red managed to find the net five minutes from time thanks to the “ex” Nazzareno Abela who dribbled past two defenders and shot past Elvin Attard in the roof of the net. Athletic held tight to their slim lead to bag the first three points of the tournament.

The match was controlled by promising referee Trustin Farrugia Cann who showed one yellow card to Fgura’s Carl Calvagna guilty of a late tackle on an opponent.

In the other match between two third division sides Sta. Venera Lightnings and Marsa ended all square in a1-1 draw. Both teams had their moments with Sta. Venera showing the best ideas in the initial stages but Marsa finding their feet and rhythm as the match progressed. After a goaless first half Marsa took the lead after five minutes of the restart with a well placed shot by young Yousif Abduah, who was a continuous threat to the Lightnings defence, albeit faling in an offside position in numerous occassions. Sta. Venera L drew level on the 77th minute froma penalty kick converted by veteran and skipper Stefan Farrugia who together with Jeffrey Zammit mastered the nevralgic area in the middle of the pitch. Marsa’s keeper Keith Brincat had a good match in goal, with some well timed saves. The match was well controlled by referee Philip Farrugia showing no cards in the process.