MELITA 2ND DIV LEAGUE

XAGHRA MAKE SURE OF VICTORY WITH FIRST HALF GOALS

GHARB RANGERS FC ...

J. Scerri, H. Cassar (H. Grech), R. Scicluna, S, Cassar, O. Formosa (J. Bugeja), R. Camilleri, J. Apap, A. Said, J. Farrugia, S. Apap, S. Bigeni (D. Xerri).

 XAGHRA UNITED FC ...

M. Sultana, E. Bugeja (D. Attard), S.F. Bajada, M. Bezzina (A. Bajada), M. Buhagiar, D. Bartolo, S. Sultana, A. Farrugia (M. Scerri), J. Galea, P. Attard, J. Attard.

   Xaghra United had an excellent start in the second division championship and inflicted a heavy defeat to Gharb Rangers.  The Blues dominated the match and as a result they produced several scoring opportunities throughout the match.  It was undoubtedly an encouraging performance that confirms that the Blues are hot favourites to contend the title this season.  On the other hand Gharb tried to control their more quoted opponents and operate with fast breaks but their deployment was only effective for the first half hour of play, as they were completely out of contention as they suffered the second goal.

   Xaghra were eager to make up for the disappointing performance in the KO competition.  The tried to take command of play and in the 3^rd minute an angled shot by Eman Bugeja ended just over the crossbar.  The Rangers were dangerous in their first approach at Xaghra’s area on the 10^th minute.  A header by Stephen Apap was partially saved by goalie Marvic Sultana and from the rebound Apap’s attempt was cleared off the fatal line by Simon Sultana.  However, Xaghra maintained command of play.  On 16 minutes goalie Scerri blocked another attempt by Eman Bugeja and one minute later the Blues opened the score.  It was Sam Frank Bajada who headed in goal from close distance following a cross from the right by Philip Attard.  Although Xaghra continued to dictate matter, Gharb surprised their opponents on 22 minutes.  Joseph Farrugia entered the area and placed out of goalie Marvic Sultana’s reach with a fine angled shot to level the score.  Three minutes later Xaghra could have regained the lead but a header by Daniel Bartolo ended wide.  In the 27^th minute an angled shot by Mark Buhagiar from a corner action ended wide.  Xaghra increased their efforts in an attempt to regain the lead and in the 29^th minute a header by Sam Frank Bajada from a corner action was saved by goalie Scerri. 

   However, Xaghra’s efforts were rewarded on the half hour when Michael Bezzina surprised goalie Scerri with a fine strike from outside the area that ended in goal.  The Blues were now in the driving seat.  On 37 minutes Daniel Bartolo entered the area with a solo action but concluded incredibly wide when he was face to face with the goalkeeper.  Two minutes later the referee awarded a penalty to Xaghra when Philip Attard was floored in the area by Reuben Scicluna.  Eman Bugeja converted from the spot kick to increase the lead.  Xaghra practically put their minds at rest four minutes from half time when Philip Attard scored the fourth goal with a low angled shot following a personal action.

   After the resumption Xaghra continued to dictate matters.  In the 49^th minute they also increased the score through a close ranged shot by Daniel Bartolo following another good cross from the flank by Philip Attard.  Minutes later the same Bartolo concluded wide from a good position and Gharb replied with a free kick by Joseph Farrugia that missed the target.  In the 64^th minute Daniel Bartolo headed wide a cross from the left by substitute Anthony Bajada and seven minutes later the same Bajada had a good effort from a corner action that was blocked by goalie Scerri.  Five minutes from time Xaghra’s substitute Daniel Attard, who was making a comeback after a number of seasons out of action, had a good effort that ended wide.  One minute later goalie Scerri made a good save to deny the sixth goal to Xaghra following a strike from outside the area by substitute Anthony Bajada. 

Referee: Mario Apap

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY

PHOTOS BY GOZO VISION STUDIO

CLICK TO ORDER

Website Designed By GOZO VISION STUDIO - FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY - MALTA  TEL: (+356) 27565262    © GOZO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 2009 - 2010