League Play-Off

Tal-Palestina
Spectators: 45 (Terracing: 35, Seating: 10, VIP seats: 0) An unexpectedly hard shot by Nikolai Gerada in the 5th minute of play forced VALLETTA WHITE STARS's goalkeeper Luca Tedesco to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 7 minutes into the match, VALLETTA WHITE STARS's goal looked a bit too open when Nikolai Gerada came free, but Luca Tedesco reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. VALLETTA WHITE STARS's Luca Tedesco played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Nikolai Gerada in the 12th minute of play. Samuel Montebello charged in rather forcefully in the 14th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Samuel Montebello the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. In the 14th minute, Samuel Montebello hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Francesco Ciantar made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Harry Gambin in the 15th minute of play. The supporters of Buġibba Youngsters booed when VALLETTA WHITE STARS was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 16 match minutes in a wonderful position. Anton Gafà didn't get a good kick on the ball. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Nikolai Gerada in the 18th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Luca Tedesco saved VALLETTA WHITE STARS from getting behind. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Nikolai Gerada in the 20th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Luca Tedesco saved VALLETTA WHITE STARS from getting behind. VALLETTA WHITE STARS's Nicholas Quintano got a good chance for a goal in the 24th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. If Nathaniel Sammut had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 28th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. The supporters of Buġibba Youngsters booed when VALLETTA WHITE STARS was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 29 match minutes in a wonderful position. Anton Gafà didn't get a good kick on the ball. Luca Tedesco showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nikolai Gerada, who was totally free with the ball in the 30th minute. Francesco Ciantar showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Jake Spiteri in the 33rd minute of the match. In the 36th match minute, VALLETTA WHITE STARS was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Alex Incorvaia to maneuver through the defense. When Buġibba Youngsters's Nikolai Gerada in the 37th minute got a chance for a shot 37th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye VALLETTA WHITE STARS's goalie prevented a goal. 38 minutes into the game, Nicholas Quintano recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Francesco Ciantar. Nicholas Quintano showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-1. Luca Tedesco showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nikolai Gerada, who was totally free with the ball in the 41st minute. Nicholas Quintano could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 44th minute of the match, but Francesco Ciantar made a huge save. In the 46th match minute, VALLETTA WHITE STARS was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Archibald Mifsud to maneuver through the defense. VALLETTA WHITE STARS's Juan Borg was substituted for Dante Van Beersel. After 48 played minutes VALLETTA WHITE STARS got a freekick which was hit by Archibald Mifsud. The first half was very even, with the score at 1-1 when the whistle went for half-time. The players welcomed the break and quickly retired to the dressing rooms.

Both teams looked relatively alert before the second half when the referee blew his whistle to tell Nicholas Quintano to make the kick off. Luca Tedesco showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nikolai Gerada, who was totally free with the ball in the 53rd minute. Luca Tedesco was out of position in the 56 minute of play, and Nikolai Gerada capitalized on the mistake with a soft shot into the goal. Nikolai Gerada really showed his touch with that goal: 1-2. In the 59th minute Nikolai Gerada shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Luca Tedesco saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Luca Tedesco had in the 62ndth minute some difficulties stopping Nikolai Gerada's well aimed penalty as it nearly passed him on his left side, but he still managed to hold the ball. An unexpectedly hard shot by Nicholas Quintano in the 63rd minute of play forced Buġibba Youngsters's goalkeeper Francesco Ciantar to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 65 minutes into the match, Buġibba Youngsters's goal looked a bit too open when Nicholas Quintano came free, but Francesco Ciantar reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Nikolai Gerada in the 71st minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Luca Tedesco prevented the ball from getting in the gole. After some fancy dribbling in the 76th minute, Nikolai Gerada managed to get in a good position for a shot. Buġibba Youngsters's supporters rose to their feet, but Nikolai Gerada was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Luca Tedesco breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. VALLETTA WHITE STARS made a substitution. Peter Paul Dingli replaced Jake Spiteri. The audience thought a goal was coming when Nikolai Gerada got free with Luca Tedesco in the 81st minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. Luca Tedesco was a little too slow when Nikolai Gerada got a fine hit on the ball which went right into the goal in the 81st minute. The score was now 1-3. Buġibba Youngsters made a substitution. Reuben Manduca replaced Timothy Dimech. VALLETTA WHITE STARS's Chris Abdilla was substituted for Nicholas Quintano. With an all-out effort, Buġibba Youngsters's Luca Tedesco threw himself towards the right post 91 minutes into the match and grabbed hold of the ball from Nikolai Gerada, which otherwise would have been placed in the net. After 93 minutes, Chris Abdilla made it 2-4 with a short kick to the right side. Buġibba Youngsters's Francesco Ciantar tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. After a defensive mix-up in VALLETTA WHITE STARS's zone, Samuel Montebello stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Luca Tedesco came out of the goal and Samuel Montebello tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Nikolai Gerada in the 99th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Luca Tedesco prevented the ball from getting in the gole. The Buġibba Youngsters players were relieved to hear the final whistle blow to end the match. The away crowd was happy to see their team win after a very tight game.