Victoria Hotspurs gave a commendable account of themselves in a pre-season friendly against Italian side Reggina 1914, narrowly losing 2-1 in a well-contested encounter held at the Italico Mountain Village Ground in Cuccularo, Gambarie.
The Maltese side struck first through Shaun Attard, who found the net early on to give Victoria Hotspurs the lead. However, Reggina responded well and gradually settled into the match, levelling the score through Ragusa before Domenico Girasole completed the comeback with the winning goal.
The encounter provided valuable playing time for both sides, with competitive moments and a respectable pace despite the friendly nature of the game.
Victoria Hotspurs, one of Gozo’s leading football teams, held their own for long stretches and demonstrated promising form as they continue their own preparations. Attard’s early goal was a highlight, though the Gozo side ultimately couldn’t hold back the Italian outfit’s pressure.
The match served as a positive start and a valuable experience for Victoria Hotspurs, who continue to look for competitive tests ahead of their domestic campaign as they will play in the Amateur League 1 this season.
