MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

TIGERS END FIRST ROUND ON A POSITIVE NOTE

J. Grima, Js. Vella, A. Fotso, J. Xerri, M. Xerri (Jo. Azzoaprdi), Jh. Vella, C. Camilleri, J. Cefai (J. Hili), P. Rapa (Js. Azzopardi), R. Buttigieg, B. Chibueze.

J. Grech, B. Meilak, F. Apap, R. Cariaga, J. Buttigieg (D. Debattista), K. Mercieca, J. Attard, E. Grima (S. Azzopardi), T. Dos Santos, F.L. Galea, G. Cefai.

   Xewkija Tigers obtained a convincing win over Ghajnsielem and ended the first round of the championship on a positive note.  These were three very precious points for Xewkija as they can look forward to continue their tussle to get away from the relegation zone.  On the other hand the Blacks failed to obtain points from this match in their attempt to reduce their gap with the leaders at the end of the first round.  It was a deserved win for Xewkija. 

   Although they had Patrick Camilleri and Christian Bugeja missing from their line-up due to suspension, the Tigers were determined to achieve their final objective.  They had a prudent approach but took advantage of a moment of panic at Ghajnsielem’s rearguard to open a comfortable lead by the end of the first half.  The Blacks had a good patch of play during the early stages of the match.  However, they got confused as soon as they conceded the first goal and only managed to score the two goals when it was too late.

   The Tigers produced the first scoring opportunity of the match as Ghajnsielem’s goalie Joseph Grech was called to make a difficult save in the 3rd minute to turn in corner a good attempt by Rodney Buttigieg.  However, the Blacks soon gained some command and in the 7th minute Xewkija’s extreme defender Joseph Grima was well placed to save an effort by Thiago Dos Santos following a pass by Joe Attard.  On 9 minutes Ghajnsielem lost a good scoring opportunity as Dos Santos headed incredibly wide following a cross from the flank by Ferdinando Apap.  Two minutes later a close ranged header by Errol Grima following a fine move in the area by Dos Santos hit the post. 

   The Blacks were punished for the missed chances.  In the 24thminute Xewkija opened the score following a prolonged melee at the goalmouth.  It all resulted from a long ranged free kick by Manuel Scerri that was partially cleared by goalie Grech.  Chris Camilleri crossed the loose ball and Rodney Buttigieg’s header was block on the fatal line.  However, Andreas Fotso took the rebound and fired in goal from an angled position. 

   Ghajnielem were shocked and two minutes later the Tigers doubled the score.  Basil Chibueze intercepted a back pass at the defense, dribbled the goalkeeper and placed easily into an open goal.  Xewkija continued to take advantage of Ghajnsielem’s hesitation at the defense and on 32 minutes Rodney Buttigieg entered the area but had his shot blocked in corner by central defender Glenn Cefai.  The same Buttigieg created danger three minutes later but his shot was turned in corner by goalie Grech.  The Tigers increased the score on 36 minutes through a header by Basil Chibueze following a corner action.

   The Blacks tried to be more aggressive after the break and they were unlucky after only 20 seconds of play when a header by Kenneth Mercieca from a cross by Dos Santos hit the crossbar.  In the following action Xewkija were as much unlucky as Chris Camilleri came face to face with the goalkeeper but his lob hit the crossbar and the ball bounced within the field without crossing the goal-line.

    In the 49^th minute Ghajnsielem were dangerous through a low shot by Joe Attard that was well saved by goalie Joseph Grima.  The same goalkeeper was called to make another good intervention on 68 minutes following an effort by Dos Santos and in an immediate reply by Xewkija Rodney Buttigieg concluded badly from an ideal position following a personal action.  One minute later an effort by Xewkija’s substitute Joseph Azzopardi stamped on the crossbar.  However, the same Azzopardi increased the score on 71 minute with a close ranged shot following a free kick by Chris Camilleri. 

     Ghajnsielem were now demoralized and in the 75^th minute Rodney Buttigieg could have added another goal but he hesitated after a dribble on the goalkeeper and lost the chance to place the ball in goal.  Eight minute from time Ghajnsielem’s Kenneth Mercieca had a low shot that ended wide and two minutes later Ghajnsielem’s goalie Joseph Grech saved with difficulty an effort by Chris Camilleri.  In the 89^th minute it was Xewkija’s goalie Joseph Grima who saved with difficulty in corner an attempt by Dos Santos.  Ghajnsielem managed to make the score more respectable with two late goals.  In the 90^th minute substitute Stefan Azzopardi reduced the score with a good strike that surprised the goalkeeper.  In the third minute of stoppage time Kenneth Mercieca scored Ghajnsielem’s second goal with a low shot from an angled position.

Referee: Anton Zammit

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