Quarter scores (1-2) (3-4) (1-1) (1-2)

As the final score clearly indicates, much was expected from Sliema yesterday evening after their superb performance against hot favourites San Giljan  a few days earlier. On their part Exiles came from two successive defeats at the hands of Neptunes and close rivals Valletta United. The honours all go to Exiles and to this year’s mentor Dorian Pisani who with the squad at his disposal, is imposing his style of play and adapts the plan depending on the opposing team. Exiles were able to cash on their opponents’ weak finishing to remain in contention throughout the match for a point which was achievable but somehow slipped. After a quiet start by both teams, the second quarter saw Exiles recover a two-goal gap (4-4) before letting in two avoidable goals two minutes from the half-way mark for the Blues to nose 6-4 in front.

The third and fourth quarters were closely fought but Sliema’s erring shooting helped Exiles to recover and narrow the gap to one solitary goal (6-7). In the final session, a series of four exclusions of Exiles players and two consecutive man-ups converted by the Blues were enough to seal the issue 6-9 in their favour.

The good performance by the Boys stemmed from an attentive defence and a well planned system of advancing towards the opponents’ goal. The woodwork denied a few of our shots whilst two man-ups were squandered when the team tried to surprise the opponents’ rear guard. Sliema made several breaks but somehow failed to conclude the final shot past a solid Exiles defence.

Both teams had eight man-ups with Exiles doing better with five conversions whilst Sliema potted four.

Once again Dorian Pisani did not include a reserve goalkeeper in the line-up but made use of practically the whole squad except Edward Gravina and Luca Felice.

Formation: Ian Bugeja, Julian Rizzo Naudi, Simon Vassallo, David Pace Lupi, Edward Borg Millo, Sean Gravina (1 goal), Kurt Griscti (2 goals), Nicky Paris, Andrea Bianchi (1 goal), Milos Vukicevic, and Kayne Lanzon (2 goals).

Photo by Adrain Farrugia from yesterday’s clash Exiles versus Sliema shows Milos Vukicevic (white cap 12) of Exiles having a shot at the Sliema’s fort blocked by John Soler (blue cap).

Next match sees Exiles take on Sirens on Tuesday the 28th June 2016 at 18.15.

KaFa

Comments