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Brincat brace not enough for brave Malta U-21s

Published: 19-11-2018 20:05
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ALBANIA U-21   3MALTA U-21       2 The Malta Under-21 team produced a brave display but it was not enough as they lost 3-2 to Albania in their second friendly, played in relentless rain in Shkoder. It was a harsh defeat for Silvio Vella's team who again felt hard done by some refereeing decisions by the Albanian match officials. The Malta players deserved much more for their lively display, marshalled by Jean Borg in defence, skipper Matthew Guillaumier in the middle of the park and Zachary Brincat who scored a brace in what was a fine performance for the young striker. Albania took an early lead but Malta, led by coach Silvio Vella, showed resilience throughout the whole match, kept their tactical discipline, and also created scoring opportunities before deservedly scoring twice. Albania opened the scoring on 11 minutes through Shefit Shefiti who got on the end of a well-worked free-kick, firing home from close range. On 14 minutes, Malta replied with a well-taken shot by Kurt Shaw which sailed over the bar. With 34 minutes on the clock, Guillaumier sent Brincat through but the Mosta forward saw his effort from just outside the box going wide. It was the prelude to Malta's equaliser on 37minutes. An intelligent through-ball by Guillaumier found the unmarked Brincat who ran through and kept his cool to slot the ball past the Albanian keeper. The first half ended 1-1. The second half saw Albania start brightly. On 50 minutes, Shefiti's freekick came off the woodwork before going wide. On 66 minutes, Malta went in front. A corner from the right by Myles Beerman dropped to the unmarked Brincat who smashed a fierce shot into the top of the net. With 14 minutes remaining, Albania levelled the score after being awarded what looked like a dubious penalty. From the spot, Shefiti made the score 2-2. With three minutes, Albania scored the winning goal when substitute Rubin Hebaj, who was probably in an offside position, advanced and chipped the ball over helpless Malta keeper Andreas Vella as Michele Sansone's desperate attempt to clear the ball proved futile. This was the second friendly match for the Malta Under-21 team against Albania who won the first 2-0 last Friday. MALTA LINE-UPAndreas Vella, Michele Sansone, Connor Zammit, Kurt Shaw, Nicky Pulis, Jean Borg, Aidan Friggieri (Andrea Borg 72), Jamie Zerafa, Zachary Brincat (Jan Tanti 89), Matthew Guillaumier, Myles Beerman.