Sirens striker Wilfried Domoraud (left) powers his way forward against Lija Athletic. Photo: Stephen Gatt
Sirens survived the early dismissal of defender Jonathan Pearson to fight back and take a point against Lija Athletic in a 1-1 draw at the Centenary Stadium.
Giovanni Tedesco’s men showed great resilience to get themselves back into the match with ten men after falling behind to a Fernando Brandan goal on the stroke of half-time.
Their efforts were rewarded on 54 minutes when Wilfried Domoraud fired home the equalizer.
The final stalemate saw Sirens remain in ninth place on 29 points while Lija stay second from bottom on 17 points.
It looked a tough evening for Sirens when they found themselves with a player less after 16 minutes of play when Jonathan Pearson, who had just been booked three minutes earlier, was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Harry Wood.
With a player more on the pitch, Lija held control of proceedings but had to wait until the stroke of half-time to take the lead.
Thiago Espindola upended Lija winger Carl Cassar inside the area with referee Daniel Portelli pointing to the spot.
Fernando Brandan stepped up for the kick and after seeing his first shot saved by goalkeeper David Cassar, the Argentine kept his cool to blast home the rebound.
Despite being a man down and a goal adrift, Sirens kept fighting and they managed to draw level on 54 minutes when Samba Tounkara fed Wilfred Domoraud who fired home.
Domoraud was voted as the BOV Player of the match.
