Classics FC will have to postpone their ambition of playing in the higher echelons of local futsal by another year, after their dream for promotion was shattered in their decisive encounter against Head Hunters.

With both teams needing a win to secure a decider against City Boys, with the eventual winner then having to face a second division side in a play-off, Classics stumbled in the first step with only minutes to go on the clock.

Having gone down early in the game, Classics did well to mount the pressure and overturn the score. Patrick Azzopardi drew level following a one-two with Marco Muscat, before Muscat turned from provider to finisher when he collected a neat pass from Joseph Darmanin and fired home. Classics went agonizingly close to extending their lead and twice saw the ball almost rolling into the net only to be cleared off the line.

Head Hunters adopted a more aggressive approach in the second half and were dangerous on several occasions, even hitting the posts in the process. Classics seemed like they would manage to hold on, with keeper Chris Magri pulling off some great saves and Bernard Darmanin being exceptional in defense, but an unlucky mishap at the back enabled Head Hunters to draw level in the dying minutes of the game. While still under shock, Classics conceded a third on the counter attack only seconds before the referee blew their hopes away with the final whistle.

Following the match, Classics’ President Edward Costa thanked the Club’s staff, coaches and players for their commitment throughout the season and announced that the Club will be looking ahead to the coming year with renewed ambition.