MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

IMPORTANT WIN LIFTS THE AJAX FROM BOTTOM

    Kercem Ajax registered the double over SK Victoria Wanderers and obtained three precious points which lifts them away from the bottom of the table.  The match was very important for the two sides.  Kercem, who were coming from two consecutive draws, needed the three points not only to move away from the bottom of the table but also to move over the same Victoria.  On the other hand, the Wanderers were coming from two consecutive defeats and disappointing performances so that they needed to gain points defend their mid-table position. 

    Kercem’s win matured in the final stages of the match as the two sides produced a balanced encounter until the penalty that arrived sixteen minutes from time.  However, Kercem confirmed the improvement registered in their previous matches and maintained composure even during moments when the team seemed in difficulty. 

   The Wanderers seemed trailing to achieve their minimum objective until they suffered the first goal and were also unlucky when two attempts, one in each half, hit the woodwork.  They had a depleted formation for this match, as central defender David Udo Monday is still unavailable to play due to an injury; and Mark Buttigieg and Simon Gatt were both suspended.  However, Williams Akande was making a come-back after a number of matches out of play due to an injury. 

   With this result the Wanderers are in serious relegation trouble and practically compromised the positive results registered during the first round. 

    The match had a quiet start and play took place in the midfield.  On 13 minutes the Wanderers were dangerous through a direct free kick by Chris Sciortino was cleared by goalie Courtney Mercieca.  The same goalkeeper was well placed five minutes later to neutralize a low shot by Ajibade Adesina. 

   The citizens were unlucky two minutes after the half hour of play when a header by Ige Adesina from a cross by Manwel Cordina hit the post.

   Play continued to be balanced after the restart but Kercem became more adventurous in their approaches to Victoria’s area.  On 57 minutes Marcos Aurelio Ribeiro unmarked Marlon Mamo in the area but the latter concluded over the crossbar from a good position.  The same Mamo had a cross shot ten minutes later but the ball ended inches wide.  On 68 minutes Ige Adesina unmarked Ajibade Adesina in the area but the latter concluded badly his shot on the run. 

    Three minutes later Kercem were dangerous from a free kick by Marcos Aurelio Ribeiro as Danjiel Sakic headed in front of the goalmouth but goalie Adrain Parnis blocked the danger before Milos Stojanovic could conclude from close distance. 

    In an immediate reply by Victoria a long ranged strike by Chris Sciortino hit the crossbar.  Kercem opened the score on 74 minutes when the referee ordered a penalty following a sign by the assistant referee for a tackle by Joel Attard on Milos Stojanovic.  Marcos Aurelio Ribeiro converted from the spot kick.  The Wanderers tried to produce a reaction but Kercem defended well and kept danger away from their area. 

   The Ajax could have increased their lead four minutes from time but a shot on the run by substitute Josef Debrincat missed the target.  However, Kercem sealed the issue in the first minute of stoppage time when the same Debrincat won a ball from Victoria’s rearguard dribbled a defender and the goalkeeper and deposited the ball into an open goal.

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