Jurgen Suda’s early goal gave Żejtun Corinthians’ Premier League survival bid a crucial boost against Gudja United.
The Corinthians dominated the opening half but were nervy after the break as came under siege in the final 15 minutes.
The win moves Żejtun up to 10th place alongside the same Gudja United and Valletta, four points clear of the relegation zone.
Gudja left Gabriel Mensah on the bench and his absence showed in a low-key performance in a first 45 minutes devoid of any serious goalmouth action.
Zammit was forced into an early substitution as Goran Adamovic had to leave the field after just 15 minutes because of injury. His place was taken by Neil Micallef.
The Gudja defender hardly had time to settle down when Barboza served Suda who drifted inside before dispatching a low shot past Glenn Zammit.
Past the half hour mark, Douglas Washington drew a full-length save from Zammit.
Suda was the Corinthians’ liveliest player and came close but his shot finished just over.
Zammit, clearly unimpressed with Gudja’s impotent first 45 minutes, brought on Mensah in lieu of Justin Grioli.
Although the change beefed up Gudja’s attacking potential, it was their continuing fragility at the back that concerned their coach. Suda fired the ball across the face of goal from an acute angle.
At the other end, Christian Cassar, the Żejtun goalkeeper, could only smother Elton’s shot.
The Brazilian almost equalised, with a low drive that was again well saved by Cassar.
On 77 minutes, Aidan Friggieri gave Żejtun another scare, breaking through and seeing his shot saved by Cassar.
Zammit played his final card with six minutes left, sending on James Brincat for Dale Camilleri but to no avail.
FORMATION:
Glenn Zammit, Goran Adamovic (’15 Neil Micallef), Juan Bolanos, Justin Grioli (’46 Gabriel Mensah), Imanol Gonzalez, Vanger Conceicao (’66 Tensior Gusman), Hubert Vella (’66 Llywelyn Cremona), Dale Camilleri (’86 J. Brincat), Aidan Friggieri, Patrick Mota, Elton Silva.
Subs not used: Jamie Azzopardi, Terence Vella.
Coach: Jesmond Zammit
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann
Assistant Referees: Edward Spiteri, James Muscat
Fourth Official: Emanuel Grech
JURGEN SUDA (Z)
BOV PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Source: sportsdesk.com.mt
