Malta U-19 thump Poland to qualify for European Championship finals

MALTA            11

POLAND          4

(0-3, 1-3, 2-3, 1-2)

The Malta U-19 national team brushed aside hosts Poland in their second qualifying match to book their place in this summer’s continental finals with one match to spare in Lodz on Saturday.

The Maltese side, under the charge of Niki Lanzon and Michele Stellini, produced a rampant display to score a convincing victory over the home side to secure their second win in a row and assure themselves of finishing top of Group C.

Malta were off to a strong start as they managed to score three goals without reply in the first session to take control of the match.

Jayden Cutajar converted an early penalty before further goals from Kieyan Borg and Alec Fenech made it 3-0.

In the second session, the Maltese continued to dictate matters as further goals from Alec Fenech, Jayden Cutajar and Jake Cachia put the team in full command, leading 6-1 when ends were changed.

The goals kept coming from the Maltese side in the third session as Jayden Cutajar, Jake Cachia and Alec Fenech again found the Polish net to head into the final session 9-3 ahead.

The final session was pretty much academic as the Maltese wrapped up the win with further goals from Jake Cachia and Alec Fenech.

Malta will now end their commitments on Sunday morning when they face Bulgaria.

MALTA: Z. Dzanovic, L. Mallia, J. Valletta, J. Cassar, J. Cachia 3, D. Bugeja, M. Zammit, J. Cutajar 3, E. Schembri, K. Borg 1, A. Fenech 4, Z. Cutajar Licari, S. Livori.