A small, great triumph resulting from the work, passion and tenacity of a formidable group. The final whistle of the “Manzi-Chiapulin” final stopped time at 6.28pm on Sunday 12 May: Virtus Bisceglie won the First Category playoffs and next season will be at the starting line of the Promotion tournament. The young white-blue club founded by Andrea Montrone in the summer of 2018 has already reached the second regional football level. The success achieved on the pitch of Audace Barletta, winner of the Puglia Cup, is the latest feat signed by the boys of mister Roberto Maffucci, a fundamental helmsman for the exponential growth undertaken by the club and the environment in a few months, especially in terms of mentality , approach and preparation for matches. The goal scored by Francesco Amorese in the 61st minute opened the doors to the second series of Apulian football.
Called to gain a victory within regulation time or at most in extra time in the event of a draw in the 90th minute, the Biancazzurri held their nerve at the start, seeking glory with Monopoli’s dunking on a free kick from Ragno (10′). The strong defender from Bisceglie had to withdraw in the 21st minute due to a muscle problem: Colangelo on. It took a sumptuous Sibio, in different circumstances, to respond to the attacks of his talented opponents, like in the 29th minute on D’Introno. The expert Laboragine’s high lob in the 32nd minute preceded Ragno’s (34′) right-footed shot on the opposite side: the ball went just wide. An attentive Sibio once again opposed D’Introno at the end of the half, made very nervous by a mistake in midfield against a visiting player who was incredibly not punished with the expulsion from the uncertain Magnifico. Audacious Barletta was very proactive at the start of the second half: D’Introno, with a delicious lob, tried to exploit a defensive inattention from Virtus, but hit the crossbar. Papagni, with a free kick from the edge, was unable to get on target in the 49th minute but his play on the outside right, in the 61st minute, brought about the winning goal: a touch inside for Amorese and a poisonous left foot from center forward on whom Cristallo was unable to do anything. Sibio, however, was exceptional in the 70th minute in blocking Cormio’s shot with a sure shot. Biancazzurri very close to doubling their lead with Amorese who hit the post in the 72nd minute with a shot from beyond midfield with the goal unguarded. Applause from the many Virtussini fans following for captain Tommasi, replaced by Ferrante in the 77th minute, and Daluiso, replaced by Preziosa (84′). Guacci was very unlucky in hitting two crossbars, first in the 76th minute and then in the 88th minute. The entrances of Trawaly and Binetti for the match winner Amorese and striker Difrancesco contributed to easing the proud but confused Barletta forcing, which was held without consequences until the end and to great joy on the pitch and in the stands. Virtus Bisceglie is on promotion!
