SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

XEWKIJA MAKE SURE OF POINTS WITH SECOND HALF GOALS

(C Bugeja 39’pen, 62’ pen; L Tefogno 59’; M Camilleri 90’)

Xewkija Tigers obtained the double over Gharb Rangers and with the points obtained they reached other contenders SK Victoria Wanderers and St Lawrence Spurs at the top of the table. The Wanderers, however, have a game in hand. It was a deserved victory for Xewkija. They dominated the match and although they found some difficulties during the first period, they made sure of the victory with two goals scored in the space of one minute on the hour of play. Xewkija’s Christian Bugeja regain the lead of the top-scorer table with two goals scored from penalties. Gharb had Michael Chika

Xewkija took command of play from the very beginning and kept continuous pressure over Gharb’s rearguard during the first period. In the 5^th minute a shot by Christian Bugeja ended wide and minutes later an effort by Joe Azzopardi just missed the target. The Tigers were again dangerous in the 21^st minute when Gharb’s goalie blocked well a low effort by Luc Tefogno who was face to face with the goalkeeper. The same Tefogno was unlucky four minutes later when his angled shot hit the post. In the 29^th minute Josef Xerri concluded badly from an ideal position following a fine move by Joseph Cefai and the same Cefai had a shot in the 33^rd minute turned with difficulty in corner by goalie Matthew Vella. From the corner action Tefogno’s attempt was cleared off the line by Harry Cassar. The Tigers opened the score in the 39^th minute, from a penalty awarded for a foul by Ryan Zammit on Joseph Cefai and converted by Christian Bugeja. In the 44^th minute Gharb’s goalie Matthew Vella saved in corner a shot by Joseph Cefai from outside the area.

Gharb tried to produce a reaction after the break but Xewkija continued to be more dangerous. In the 59^th minute Xewkija doubled the score through a low shot by Luc Tefogno following a solo action. One minute later, the Tigers were awarded a second penalty for a foul by Aaron Camilleri on substitute Mark Camilleri, and Christian Bugeja made it 3-0 with his shot from the spot kick. Gharb reduced the arrears in the 76^th minute from a penalty converted by Roy Vella, awarded for a foul by substitute Manwel Xerri on substitute Arthur Farrugia. Minutes later Xewkija were again dangerous through a header by Luc Tefogno that ended just wide. In the 80^th minute Gharb’s goalie Matthew Vella saved in corner a close ranged effort by Christian Bugeja. Xewkija sealed the issue in the 90^th minte with a goal by substitute Mark Camilleri who headed in goal from close distance following a cross by Josmar Azzopardi.

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY