MELITA 1ST DIV LEAGUE

FOUR-GOAL DRAW USEFUL TO NONE

  Nadur Youngsters and Sannat Lions earned a point each from a draw of four goals in an interesting match where the final score remained uncertain until the final minutes.  It was a just result.  Sannat were the better side during the period and also took a one goal lead.  However, Nadur came out more aggressive after the break and turned the result in their favour with two goals scored in the space of eight minutes.  The Lions had a good reaction and obtained a dramatic equalizer with a penalty scored during stoppage time.  This was the last match of the second round for the two sides and with the point obtained they both failed to achieve their respective objective.  The Youngsters practically lost their chances to remain among the challengers for the title, while Sannat failed to obtain the necessary points to get away from the relegation zone.

  Sannat were in full control of play during the first period.  They came out more aggressive and opened the score after just 5 minutes of play through a close ranged shot by John Camilleri following a fine move by Fernando De Andrade.  Two minutes later Nadur’s goalkeeper had good timing to go out to the edge of the area and block on the same Camilleri.  Nadur’s reply arrived on 8 minutes through an effort by Charles Hili that missed the target.  However, Sannat continued to produce more play and on the quarter of an hour of play an attempt by Errol Grima just missed the target.  Nadur were dangerous on 25 minutes through a long ranged free kick by Andre Souza that ended on the top of the net.

  The Youngsters produced their reaction from the early stages of the second period but Sannat went closest to scoring.  On 48 minutes an excellent strike by Fernando De Andrade was deflected on the crossbar and in corner by goalie Steve Sultana.  Nadur leveled the score on 59 minutes through a fine shot from outside the area by Andre De Souza following a personal action.  On 66 minutes the Lions went close to regain the lead but a low shot following a counter break by Errol Grima was neutralized by goalie Steve Sultana.  Nadur turned the result in their favour one minute later when skipper Anthony Portelli was floored in the area by Mark Formosa.  The referee awarded a penalty and Claudio Antunes converted from the spot kick.  Sannat could have leveled the score on 71 minutes but Errol Grima was unlucky when his attempt from a pass by Mousse Mamba hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.  Seven minutes later Nadur’s Antunes had a first timer form a cross by Antunes that was blocked by Njoku and on 85 minutes and effort by Antunes ended just wide.  In the final stages Sannat increased their efforts and in the second minute of stoppage time a shot from the edge of the area by Fernando De Andrade hit the post and from the rebound Sabri Rais’s attempt was handled by Paul Camilleri in the small area.  The referee awarded a penalty and red carded the same Camilleri so that Fernando De Andrade clinched the deserved equalizer with his shot from the spot kick.  

Referee: Clayton Pisani

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