Last session rush does the trick
Neptunes 6 – San Ġiljan 4
(2-2, 0-0, 1-2, 3-0)
This was by no means an impressive performance by our team. The gloss was missing and as a consequence the smooth inter-action in the defensive and attacking phases was only evident fleetingly.
It was only a last session three-goal rush which helped us tip the scales in our favour against an unyielding San Giljan who were 4-3 in front at the end of the third quarter.
Our boys’ bluntness was evident as from the opening session and even more so in an arid second part of the game which ended scoreless after four goals had been shared during the first eight-minute period.
With our shooting completely off the mark it was no surprise that our opponents entertained hopes of winning the tie, more so when they nosed in front in that third session.
However, we conjured a final flurry when we scored three times without reply to consign our bold neighbours to an honourable defeat.
The only redeeming features were the brace netted by Michele Stellini in that late rush and a spectacularly flicked goal by Clint Mercieca.
The outcome is an awaited confrontation with Sliema on a best-of three basis to decide the destination of the 2012 winter league honours.
Let us hope we can up our game.
Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 1, E. Aquilina 1, M. Stellini 2, Z. Mizzi 1, G. Pace, J. Camilleri, K. Debattista, B. Lanzon, S. Gravina, T. Agius, S. Xerri de Caro, C. Mercieca 1.
San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, J.C. Cutajar, A. Galea, Karl Galea, Keith Galea, A. Bugeja, A. Bianchi 3, R. Mock, B. Pumpton, C. Gialanze, P. Fava 1, C. Martin, M. Pisani.
Referees: M. Angileri, P. Balzan.