Malta U18’s went down by a solitary goal scored right at the end of the first half in the second friendly against Lithuania.
The match was a boorish affair with goalmouth action at a premium as the Maltese boys could not find much invention to pressure the Lithuanians who were quite solid at the back
The Maltese youngsters were hoping for another good display against Lithuania following their 2-2 draw in the first friendly match on Friday. Coach Stefano Grima rested stalwart Jonathan Melillo for the first half but brought him on in the second.
The first half hour was a boorish affair with both sides slogging it out in midfield. The locals were slightly more enterprising but found it hard going against a strong Lithuanian defence.
It was Lithuania who took the lead right on the stroke of half time when Nedas Garbaliauskas managed to poke the ball in from close range after a goalmouth melee’.
Lithuania had a good opportunity after 58 minutes when a free kick by Ridas Gramba almost surprised Camilleri who saved with difficulty.
The rest of the half continued as in the first with Malta attempting to get back on level terms, but Semaska was rarely troubled. In the end it was an excellent experience for the young and promising Maltese side.
Line ups
Malta U18’s: Carlos Camilleri (Miguel Camilleri 75’), Nathan Joyce (Vella Jayden 84’), Amin Malik, Luke Bugeja (Nathan Zerafa 62’), Sheldon Borg, Dejan Farrugia (Ubada Hijazi 75’), Adam Vella (Shaun Xiberras 46’), Cris Vella Gonzalez (Thomas Melillo 46’), Kai Bartolo (Liam Miacllef 62’), Jerome Baldacchino (Luca Vella 75’), Jake Borg (Emerson Piscopo 62’)
Lithuania: Ugnius Semaska, Lukas Klisys, Dovdyas Sasnauskas, Dovdyas Griska, Emilis Kirliauskas (Matias Angelo Pastori 75’), Jordanas Alisaukas (Skirmantas Janunius Paykstc 72’), Nojus Petkus, Sidas Pralieika, Ridas Gramba (Matas Ambrazaitis 69’), Paulius Urbelionis, Nedas Garbaliauskas
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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