MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

GHAJNSIELEM REMAIN IN THE TITLE RACE

S. Sultana, J. Meilaq, P. Camilleri, P. Buttigieg, A. Simoncic, C. Mercieca, S. Attard, C. Hili (M. Portelli), C. Antunes, A. Portelli, K. Russell.

J. Grech, F. Apap, R. Cariaga, D. Debattista, G. Cefai, J. Buttigieg, T. Dos Santos, M. Cremona, F.L. Galea, K. Mercieca, B. Meilak.

Ghajnsielem maintained their chances to join the race for the title with an important victory over Nadur Youngsters, so that with the points obtained they reach the same Nadur at the second place on the table.  This was an important match for the two sides as Nadur needed the three points to take sole leadership on the table while this was practically the last chance for Ghajnsielem to keep close to the top positions on the table.  The final result favours current leaders Victoria Hotspurs who have a two-point lead over Nadur and Ghajnsielem with a game in hand.  The match was well contested.  Nadur were the better side during the first period but failed to capitalize from their superiority and suffered Ghajnsielem’s equaliser seconds from the break.  Nadur lost composure along the way and their reaction in the final stages was sterile.  Ghajnsielem’s goal just before half time was the turning point of the match as the Blacks came out more determined for the second period and managed to defend their one goal lead even if they ended the match with nine players on the field.

Nadur came out more aggressive and produced more pressure on Ghajnsielem’s rearguard.  The Youngsters also earn a number of corner kicks that created some panic at Ghajnsielem’s goalmouth.  The Blacks tried to operate on counter attacks but Nadur’s defense had special attention to eliminate Thiago Dos Santos from Ghajnsielem’s maneuver.  On 17 minutes Nadur’s Kyle Russell had an effort that ended wide and Ghajnsielem replied on 22 minutes through a header by Ferdinando Apap from a corner kick by Rodrigo Cariaga.  Nadur remained the better side but in the 31st minute Ghajnsielem were dangerous when Kenneth Mercieca dribbled his direct opponent in the area but his shot from a good position ended high.  The Blacks were punished for the missed chance as Nadur opened the score two minutes later.  Skipper Anthony Portelli unmarked Claudio Antunes with a through pass and the Brazilian striker marked his return following a one match suspension with a goal as he lobbed over goalie Joseph Grech.  The Blacks replied on 35 minutes through a shot from outside the area by Brian Meilak that missed the target while Nadur were dangerous six minutes later through a free kick by Alex Simoncic that was neutralized by goalie Joseph Grech.  Ghajsielem managed to level the score on 45 minutes.  Nadur’s rearguard failed to clear danger from a corner kick by Rodrigo Cariaga and the ball arrived to an unmarked Thiago Dos Santos who netted in his first attempt at goal during the match with a low shot.

The Blacks came out in a better shape after the break as Rodrigo Cariaga’s position in the midfield provided more support to the strikers.  On 49 minutes a lob by Joseph Buttigieg following a clearance by the defense ended high and one minute later a close ranged header by Kenneth Mercieca following an excellent move by Dos Santos on the right flank ended wide.  On 55 minutes a shot from outside the area by Rodrigo Cariaga was turned in corner by goalie Steve Sultana and Nadur replied four minutes later through a header by Charles Mercieca from a free kick by Alex Simoncic that was blocked by goalie Joseph Grech.  Ghajsielem took the lead on the hour of play through a fine header by Ferdinando Apap following a free kick by Rodrigo Cariaga.  Nadur’s immediate reaction was sterile but the Blacks suffered a set back on 70 minutes as Frank Lee Galea was sent off following a second caution.  Nadur failed to take immediate advantage of the extra player on the field but Ghajnsielem complicated their situation as they had a second player sent off on 76 minutes when Kenneth Mercieca was shown a second yellow card.  In the same action Nadur also had Alex Simoncic sent off for retaliation so that Nadur remained with one extra player on the field.  Nadur increased their efforts in the final stages and on 79 minutes an attempt with the back heel by Nadur’s Kyle Russell from a pass by Paul Camilleri ended inches wide and two minutes from time a header by Saviour Attard following a prolonged action in Ghajnsielem’s area was neutralized by goalie Joseph Grech.  In the dying moments Nadur’s pressure did not produce any particular danger to Ghajnsielem’s goalkeeper and an attempt by Jeffrey Meilaq seconds from the final whistle from a good position missed the target.

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