ONVOL 1ST DIVISION LEAGUE

DIRECT CLASH FROM THE DROP ZONE DECIDED BY A SOFT GOAL

     Xaghra United obtained three precious points in their attempt to avoid the drop from a victory over Kercem Ajax. This was a direct clash between two teams who are in deep relegation trouble, had the same points before this match and were both still without a victory in the campaign. The two sides had their latest January signings making their debut.

    Alex Ribic was playing for the first time with Kercem and against his ex- colleagues since September. Xaghra had more changes and practically presented a new formation. Silvan Galea was making a return with the team, while Larry Buttigieg (ex-Ghajnsielem), Alex Tramboo (ex-Zebbug) and Abdul Mutalib (ex-Gharb) wore the blue jersey for the first time.

    Xaghra’s victory was a result of a collective effort, as they managed to control a one goal lead that arrived in a fortunate manner early in the second period. They suffered Kercem’s pressure for long stretches, but managed to find the net on two of their few scoring opportunities. Kercem had a positive performance but they ended up empty handed mainly due to some bad finishing in their attack.

    Xaghra came out more aggressive and an early free kick by Leandro Blanco de Castro was saved with difficulty by goalie Leonard Camilleri. However, the same Brazilian opened the score in the 8^th minute when his shot from a set piece was deflected by the defence and surprised goalie Camilleri.

   The Ajax had an immediate reaction and an effort by Darko Stojanovic from close distance ended high. Kercem levelled the score in the 11^th minute through a goal by debutant Alex Ribic, who concluded past goalie Donald Gauci with a low shot following a cross from the left. Xaghra’s goalkeeper was called to make a difficult save in the 17^th minute to turn in corner an effort by Jonathan Mercieca following a pass by Ejofor Nkwocha. The Ajax saw more of the ball until the end of the first half but Xaghra’s rearguard was well deployed and managed to control well. The Blues created the best scoring opportunities and went close with efforts by Abdul Mutalib, Mark Buhagiar and Larry Buttigieg

    The Ajax continued to be the better side after the break and in the 59^th minute substitute Gothard Conti had a shot that ended just over the crossbar. However, Xaghra regained the lead in the 59^th minute through a low shot by Sylvan Galea that found goalie Leonard Camilleri surprised and the ball passed below the goalkeeper and ended in goal.

    Kercem had an immediate reply and one minute later they were very unlucky when consecutive shots by Alex Ribic, Ejofor Nkwocha, Darko Stojanovic and Gothard Conti were blocked by the defence while Frankie Camilleri’s attempt in the same action hit the woodwork. Kercem kept insisting and in the 66^th minute an attempt by Frankie Camilleri was blocked by Blanco de Castro. Xaghra were dangerous in the 78^th minute but Sylvan Galea headed wide from a good position following a fast break by skipper Joseph Bartolo.

In the 80^th minute a strike by John Paul Mizzi from outside the area ended inches wide. Minutes later Xaghra’s goalie Gauci saved the result for his side with a good intervention following a cross shot by Alex Ribic.

Referee: Sammy Attard

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY