Mellieħa obtained their second major success in less than a week after clinching the Challenge Cup after defeating the University of Malta 4-2.
The Northerners came into this game on a high after their success in the FMA Amateur Cup against Ta’ Xbiex and were eager to add to their silverware collection.
They pressed hard from the start and managed to surge ahead through Joshua Tonna after connecting well to a pass from Armando Gjepali before the latter doubled the score minutes later.
University of Malta were awarded a shot from the second penalty mark after Mellieħa conceded five fouls and Essa Benatiya made no mistake from the spot.
The UOM’s joy was shortlived as Ervin Rigo scored from close range before the interval to make it 3-1.
In the second half, the team led by Alexander Ellul were an aggressive lot and came close on a couple of occasions but luck was not on their side.
Still, Neil Cauchi managed to reduce the gap for University of Malta who also used the flying keeper in the dying seconds of the match in an attempt to grab the equaliser.
But in doing so, their defensive department was exposed and Mellieħa’s keeper Norvic Deguara managed to score 42 seconds from the end to rubberstamp his team’s victory.
After the match, Mellieħa captain Ryan Xuereb was presented with the Challenge Cup by the FMA president Mark Borg.
