Play became more balanced where the two sides were more prudent. However, the Lions regained the lead in the 19^th minute through a direct free kick by Fernando de Andrade from just outside the area. Victoria’s reaction was sterile, while the Lions controlled play and operated with fast breaks. In the 28^th minute Sannat increased their lead from a typical counter attack. It was Fernando de Andrade who passed through Victoria’s static rearguard, following a through pass by Mario Cutajar, entered the area and placed in goal from an angled position. The Hotspurs were shocked and de Andrade continued to be a continuous threat to their defence. In the 30^th minute goalie Mark Grima was called to save with difficulty a close ranged shot by Kenneth Mercieca who was released in the area by Mark Muscat. The same goalkeeper denied Sannat’s de Andrade and Kenneth Mercieca from increasing the score with a fine saves in the 35^th minute and 41^st minute.

     Minutes after the break Victoria could have re-opened the issue but Ricardo Saverino concluded badly from close distance when de Oliveira cleared badly at the edge of the area. However, the Lions continued to be the better side and in the 58^th minute Victoria’s John Paul Grima cleared in time before de Andrade could conclude an inviting pass by Kenneth Mercieca. Two minutes later de Andrade entered the area, dribbled three defenders but his low shot ended just wide. Victoria recovered from the embarrassing situation after an hour of play and could have reduced the arrears. An effort by Fabiano Bassi following a cross by substitute Steve Xuereb ended wide while a long ranged shot by Daniel Farrugia missed the target. In the 66^th minute Fabiano Bassi incredibly concluded over the crossbar with an open goal at his mercy following a cross by Ryan Grech.

     The Hotspurs kept insisting and created some pressure over Sannat’s rearguard. However, the Lions practically sealed the issue in the 76^th minute when Paul Spiteri operated a fast break on the right flank on from his cross Kenneth Mercieca placed easily in goal from close distance. One minute later an attempt by Ricardo Saverino from a cross by Fabiano Bassi was cleared off the line by Cristiano de Oliveira. In the 86^th minute Sannat’s goalie Demis Bajada turned in corner a header by substitute Anthony Briffa. The Hotspurs ended on a negative note and had skipper Michael Vella sent off in the 88^th minute for a foul on Fernando de Andrade. In the 6^th minjute of stoppage time Sannat’s goalie Demis Bajada saved in corner an effort by Steve Xuereb.