ONVOL 1ST DIVISION LEAGUE

CLOSE WIN FOR THE YOUNGSTER

I Aktpan, G Cefai, P Camilleri (C Caruana), I Grech, M Bonello, D Abela, M Mifsud, C Attard, C Portelli (J Bonello), P Said, J Xerri.

   Nadur Youngsters obtained the double over Qala St Joseph and remain at the top of the table with maximum points. The Youngsters therefore started the second round on an excellent note and defended their five point lead over second placed Victoria Hotspurs. Although Nadur’s victory was well deserved they had to fight more than expected to win the match and they only managed to win the three points with a soft goal scored late in the first half. The Saints had an excellent performance at their defensive department and made it very difficult for their more quoted opponents to obtain a larger victory. Qala had three regular players missing for this match; Brian Portelli and Dione Lautier due to an injury while Andreas Fotso due to suspension. On the other hand Nadur’s Chris Camilleri was on the reserves bench due to a slight injury.

    Nadur tried to take command of play from the very beginning but the Saints were well deployed and kept danger away from their area. Qala’s keeper Aktpan was called to save a shot from outside the area by Eric Nkwankwo in the 10^th minute. The maroons replied with a good effort by Joe Xerri two minutes later that was blocked by Marcos Secco.

    In the 14^th minute Joseph Portelli concluded badly from an ideal position and in an immediate reply by Qala Christian Portelli’s shot ended over the crossbar. The Youngsters became frustrated at one point as they failed to create danger. However, they still managed to open the score in the 35^th minute. A shot by Eric Nkwanko was partially saved by goalie Aktpan and Anthony Portelli was well placed and guided the ball into an open goal.

    After the break Qala failed to produce a reaction while Nadur maintained their territorial supremacy. However, Qala’s keeper Aktpan was not called to make difficult saves. In the last part of the match Nadur increased their pressure.

     In the 78^th minute Aktpan blocked a close ranged effort by Marcos Secco from a corner action. Minutes later Eric Nkwankwo concluded badly from a good position from another corner action and in the 82^nd minute Qala’s Mark Bonello cleared off the line a cross by Joseph Portelli before Anthony Portelli could reach the ball, while Aktpan denied Nadur from doubling the score in the 87^th minute following a shot from outside the area by substitute Chris Camilleri.

Referee: Anton Zammit

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY