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MELITA 2ND DIV LEAGUE |
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XAGHRA WIN DIRECT CLASH |
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 XAGHRA
UNITED FC ...
 (E.
Bugeja 51’, S. Sultana 86’)M. Vella, A. Farrugia (D. Attard), J. Galea, S.Sultana, J. Buhagiar, J. Attard, S.F. Bajada, M. Bezzina, P. Attard, E. Bugeja, D. Bartolo (S. Sultana). |
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 QALA
ST.JOSEPH FC ...
 (D.
Abela 22’)
K. Grima, J. Bajada, G. Cefai, J. Bonello, M. Bonello, M. Mifsud, D. Abela, J. Xerri, P. Said, D. Cutajar (M. Tabone), J. Rapa. |
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Xaghra United turned a defeat into a victory in their match against Qala St Joseph and maintained their good start to the season. This match was considered as a direct clash between the two major contenders for promotion. At the end Xaghra deserved the victory as they saw more of the ball and created much more scoring opportunities, especially during the second period. The Blues once again gave the impression that they hold some technical superiority for the lower division but they find it extremely hard to convert it into goal. Moreover, Xaghra go through some patches when they seem fragile in their defense and risk to compromise their positive overall performance. In this match the Saints, who were without Christian Portelli due to suspension, had a good start and managed to take the lead. However, they opted to defend their minimum advantage when it was too early. They suffered Xaghra’s reaction and ended up loosing the contest with a late goal by a Shaun Sultana. Play was quite balance during the early stages as both teams were cautious to defend their respective territory. However, the Maroons opened the score on 22 minutes through a strike by Dennis Abela that was deflected by defender Josef Galea and ended in goal. Xaghra had a good reaction and minutes later an effort by Joseph Buhagiar hit the woodwork. In the 43rd minute Qala’s goalie Kenny Grima was called to make a difficult save following a direct free kick by Sam Frank Bajada. Xaghra were again dangerous one minute the break through an angled shot by Philip Attard that ended wide. |
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After the resumption Xaghra maintained pressure over their opponents and in the 48th minute Daniel Bartolo incredibly concluded over the crossbar an inviting low pass by Sam Frank Bajada. Xaghra leveled the score in the 51st minute through a direct free kick by Eman Bugeja from an angled position that surprised goalie Grima. In the 57th minute Qala’s goalie was again called to make a good save following another set-piece by Bugeja. On the hour of play goalie Grima was well placed to block two consecutive close ranged attempts by Philip Attard following a solo action. The blues continued to be the better side and Qala’s goalie turned in corner another effort by Philip Attard in the 65th minute. The same Attard had an angled shot after receiving from Sam Frank Bajada in the 81st minute that ended just over the crossbar and one minute later Michael Bezzina dribbled his direct opponent but had his low shot neutralized by goalie Grima. Xaghra turned the result in their favour four minutes from time. A shot from outside the area by Philip Attard was deflected by Qala’s rearguard, the ball arrived to an unmarked Shaun Sultana, who took advantage and placed in goal with a low shot. In the 88th minute Xaghra had Michael Bezzina sent off when he pushed an opponent as Qala were preparing to kick a free kick just outside the area. Qala had their best opportunity to save the result from the same free kick but Mario Mifsud’s shot was deflected in corner by the defense. Referee: Mario Apap
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