Qormi HC were beaten by a determined Rabat side on Sunday and were at the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline. It was the first time in the past three seasons that Qormi have relinquished their lead at the top of the table. With Rabat leading the pack it is up to the other teams to play catch up and have their say on the league title.
Coach Ray Micallef had Tyrone Vella, Rudolph Camilleri and Kym Bianco missing for this match. Chircop lined up in goal with Piscopo, Brincat, Sarcia and Ghio in defence. Cuschieri, Aquilina, Tanti and Calleja in midfield with Borg playing in the hole and Zahra up front.
Rabat started the match on the attack and pushed Qormi back. Rabat registered the first shot on target following a short corner move but this was well dealt with by the Qormi defence. The Yellows were struggling to keep up with the Rabat players and found it very difficult to attack Rabat. Even though Rabat had the upper hand in the opening stages, they did not threaten to break the deadlock.
Rabat took the lead in controversial fashion when they were awarded a penalty stroke. At first the umpire did not stop play but then, following the advice of the other umpire, a penalty stroke was awarded. James Azzopardi stepped up and made it 1-0 in Rabat’s favour.
This seemed to be just what the Yellows needed to start playing. After going behind Qormi were a different team and had a handful of chances to equalise. Joseph Cuschieri scored his 2nd goal in as many matches following a marvellous move. Cuschieri passed the ball to Calleja and moved into space inside the Dee. Calleja returned the ball immediately to Cuschieri who stopped the ball and smashed it between the keeper and his post.
Qormi’s equaliser was well deserved and they continued to play well till the end of the half. The second half resumed but Qormi were once again a shadow of their usual selves. Rabat dominated midfield and exerted a lot of pressure on the Qormi defence. Rabat’s pressure paid off and failure by Qormi to clear the ball from defence gifted Charlot Antonelli with an easy tap in.
After going behind for the second time, Qormi upped their game once again but were unable to create any danger and any incursions in the Rabat Dee were easily dealt with. Late in the game Qormi went further behind when Chircop failed to clear the ball with Antonelli pouncing on the loose ball to score his second of the match.
Rabat could have gone further ahead when they were awarded another penalty stroke but Antonelli saw his flick smash against the post. It would have been unjust on the Yellows to concede a 4th goal as the gap between both teams on the day was not that significant. After this result the first round came to a close with Rabat leading the standings with maximum points and Qormi following closely behind 2 points adrift.
Man of the Match: Owen Piscopo
Qormi Squad: Ramon Chircop, Juan Sarcia, Ryan Brincat, Owen Piscopo, Andre Ghio, Steve Tanti, Joseph Cuschieri, Jonathan Aquilina, Keith Calleja, Jonathan Borg and Julian Zahra.
Subs: Jonathan Fenech, Christian Sammut, John Williams, Gareth Dimech and Justin Bonello.
Umpires: Manuel Imbroll and Luke Busuttil Leaver
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