Borg’s late penalty hands Gżira derby bragging rights

GŻIRA UNITED 3           

Davis 7; Kooh Sohna 52

S. Borg 84 pen

SLIEMA WANDERERS  2           

Kakinuma 60 Farrugia 80

GŻIRA: J. Haber-6, G. Bohrer Mentz-6, S. Borg-6.5, N. Muscat-6.5, D. Xuereb-6, M. Davis-6, H. Kone-6 (62 C. Borg), R. Correa-7, S. Borg-6, A. Samb-6 (68 Jefferson), R. Kooh Sohna-6.5 (81 O. Elouni).

SLIEMA: J. Galea-6, A. Satariano-6 (66 Farrugia), K. Shaw-6, A. Milesi-6 (57 Denilson), J. Mintoff-6 (57 Vukovic), Gilmar-6.5, J. Cisotti-6.5, G. Aquilina-6 (78 Agius), R. Kakinuma-6.5 (78 R. Kisil), A. Cunha-6, Beerman-6.

Referee: Malcolm Spiteri.

Yellow xards: G. Aquilina, G. Mentz, Gilmar, K. Shaw, M. Davis.

BOV Player of the Match: Ricardo Correa (Gżira United).

Gżira United defeated neighbours Sliema Wanderers by the odd goal in five in a highly- entertaining clash at the Hibernians Stadium.

The Maroons seemed heading towards a comfortable victory after taking a two-goal lead but the Wanderers hit back with two goals to level matters.

However, Gżira regained the lead thanks to a Steve Borg penalty late in the game to earn three precious points which enable them to extend their positive run to seven matches.

For Sliema, this was the second defeat this season.

Both sides had a number of changes from their last outings as they welcomed back a number of players.

Sliema had a good start, going close to taking the lead after five minutes with a shot by Juri Cisotti that ended just wide.

However, two minutes later, Gżira took the lead. Martin Davis received an assist by Raphael Kooh Sohna and beat Jake Galea with a good shot from the left.

Sliema replied with a Gilmar effort which was neutralised by Justin Haber on 14 minutes. Five minutes later, another conclusion by Gilmar was saved in two attempts by the Gżira goalkeeper.

Davis was then unlucky to hit the upright with a shot from outside the area on 20 minutes.

Appeals for a penalty by Sliema were turned down by referee Malcolm Spiteri on 33 minutes, while at the other end, Correa had a shot from outside the area just missing the target.

Haber performed a good save on a Kakinuma effort from the right a minute later with Gżira threatening with a shot from outside the area by Hamed Kone parried by Haber.

Seven minutes into the second half, Gżira doubled the score. Kooh Sohna tapped the ball home from close range off a cross by Correa from the left.

However, on the hour, Sliema reduced the gap courtesy of Riki Kakinuma who hit home from close in following a cross by substitute Dejan Vukovic.

That goal filled the Wanderers with confidence as they were soon creating the better chances.

Ten minutes from time, Sliema levelled matters. Cisotti entered the area from the right and crossed for substitute Jean Paul Farrugia to beat Haber with a fine header.

However, four minutes later, Sliema received a cold shower as Gżira were awarded a penalty after Myles Beerman handled the ball inside the area.

From the penalty spot, Steve Borg made no mistake to hand the Maroons the three points.