San Giljan 12 Exiles Elia Caterers 12

Partial scores (4-2) (1-3) (4-2) (3-5)

Exiles won a well-merited draw tonight against San Giljan when  both teams met in Match Day 3 of Preliminary Round Group B.

It was a super effort by all of the Boys of Igor Ivanovic who must be a proud man indeed having piloted his team to such a surprise result against a stronger outfit that was tamed by a determined Exiles side.

Exiles were twice trailing by four goals, in the first minutes of the first quarter (0-4) and just under two minutes in the last session (8-12) but managed to fight back by nosing ahead (5-4) two minutes from the end of the second session and in the last two minutes of the fourth and final quarter (12-12). The Exiles rearguard excelled with goalkeeper Matthew Castillo keeping his fort intact for nearly nine minutes before San Giljan equalized just before the half-way mark (5-5). In the final session when our opponents looked as though coasting home with five minutes to go, Exiles reacted to draw level – crucial were the last two man-up conversions after failing to find the net in the previous six occasions. The last minute was dramatic as San Giljan failed to convert a man-up whist Exiles had possession in their last assault without success in the dying seconds as both teams settled for a draw.

San Giljan man-up 3 on 6 and 1 on 2 penalties awarded.

Exiles man-up 2 on 8 and 3 on 3 penalties awarded.

Igor Vukanovic had at his disposal the following players, Matthew Castillo, Michele Stellini, Andrew Magri, Marco Jelaka (1 goal), Timmy Sullivan (3 goals) Sean Xerri de Caro, Mark Fenech, Kurt Griscti, Milos Vukicevic (6 goals), Aurelien Cousin, Nicky Paris (2 goals), Philip Paris, Simon Apap and second goalkeeper Max Martin.

Well done Exiles.

Meanwhile Exiles play their fourth and final match of the Preliminary Round next Saturday 29th June at 18.00 hours when they take on Birzebbugia in what is considered as a crucial tie to book a berth in the next round when the top three teams in each group qualify for the Premiership.

KaFa

(photo by Adrian Farrugia shows Nicky Paris (blue cap) taking a shot in tonight’s match)

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