SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

XEWKIJA TIGERS REGAIN LEADERSHIP WITH AN EASY VICTORY 

(M Camilleri 19’, 52’, 81’, 83’; J Vella 22’; L Tefogno 65’pen)

    Contenders for promotion Xewkija Tigers registered their third consecutive large victory, where they scored seventeen goals in three matches, in their encounter against bottom placed Gharb Rangers. With the three points obtained the Tigers are now sole leaders on the table, three points more than rivals SK Victoria Wanderers, the latter however have a game in hand.

   Xewkija dominated the match and the victory was never in contention. In the absence of striker Christian Bugeja, who was suspended, the protagonist of the match was Mark Camilleri by scoring four of the six goals.

     Gharb were forced to defend their area from the very beginning as Xewkija took advantage of the wind blowing from behind. In the 15^th minute an effort by Michale Pace ended just high. However, Xewkija opened the score in the 19^th minute through Mark Camilleri’s shot following an inviting cross from the right by Joseph Azzopardi.

    Xewkija kept insisting and they doubled the score three minutes later through Josmar Vella’s header following a free kick by Joseph Azzopardi. Until half time Gharb’s goalie Matthew Vella denied Xewkija from scoring more goals with good saves following attempts by Luc Tefogno, Joseph Cefai and Mark Camilleri.

    In the dying moments of the first half Shaun Mizzi concluded incredibly over the crossbar from an ideal position from a corner action.

    The Tigers continued to dominate over their opponents after the break. In the 52^nd minute Mark Camilleri made it 3-0 with a low shot following a cross by Joseph Cefai.

   In the 65^th minute the referee awarded a pently to Xewkija for a foul by James Refalo on Paul Rapa and Luc Tefogno increased the score with his shot from the spot kick.

   Gharb’s goalie Vella made a good save in the 77^th minute following an effort by substitute Rodnet Buttigieg but the same goalkeeper was beaten four minutes later by Mark Camilleri following a cross by substitute Dominic Cilia. Mark Camilleri scored his fourth personal goal and sealed the final score to read 6-0 with a goal that arrived in the 88^th minute.

Referee:         Osy Nkwocha

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY