Hotspurs Register Second Win in the Amateur League 1

Hotspurs Register Second Win in the Amateur League 1

Victoria Hotspurs F.C. 2 – 0 Qrendi F.C.

Scorers: Ferdinando Apap 41′, Rondinely Roberto Monteiro 81′

In the late Luxol Stadium fixture last Saturday, Victoria Hotspurs secured a morale-boosting victory in their fifth outing of the Amateur League I, defeating Qrendi 2-0 with a goal in each half. The Gozitans learned in the previous four match days that competition is fierce, nothing compared to last season when they ran away with the Amateur League II title.

It was a far from an easy match however for Oliver Spiteri’s side, as the early stages belonged to Qrendi, who immediately threatened towards the Hotspurs’ goal. However, they found goalkeeper Steve Sultana in excellent form, making various interferences. Qrendi enjoyed more possession in the opening minutes, and after eight minutes, a shot by their best performer, Brandon Bray, finished just over the bar. In the 11th minute, another effort from Bray was well saved by Sultana. Ten minutes later, the Hotspurs’ goalkeeper was called into action again, this time blocking a good attempt from Gilmour Azzopardi.

The Hotspurs created their first real chance on the half hour mark when, after a cross from Christian Mercieca, Shaun Attard attempted an acrobatic effort that went off target. In the 38th minute, a dangerous free kick by Bray was once again kept out by the impressive Sultana. Two minutes later, Kurt Borg tried a low shot for the ambitious Gozitans, but Qrendi veteran goalkeeper Christian Cassar saved well. A minute later, Victoria Hotspurs took the lead. From a corner action, captain Ferdinando Apap rose highest and headed past Cassar to make it 1-0, a scoreline that remained until halftime.

In the second half, Qrendi pushed forward in search of an equaliser. On 61 minutes, Joseph Ogunuppe fired a shot from outside the box that finished slightly high. Ten minutes later, a strong effort from Kieran Xuereb forced Sultana into another stretching save. In the 80th minute, Victoria Hotspurs doubled their lead. Brazilian forward Rondinely Monteiro controlled the ball well on his chest and hit a precise shot into the net to make it 2-0. In the 86th minute, substitute Emil Grozdanov went close to scoring a third, but his attempt was well saved by Cassar.

Match Report by MFA Match Centre