SPRITE 2ND DIVISION LEAGUE

XEWKIJA REACH THE WANDERERS AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE

XEWKIJA TIGERS FC ...... 

(C Bugeja 2’, 52’ pen.; J Cefai 14’ ; P Rapa 65’ ; M Xerri 73’; M Camilleri90+1’)

    Xewkija Tigers obtained three easy points as expected from their match against Munxar Falcons and with the points obtained they reached SK Victoria Wanderers at the top of the table. The Tigers practically made sure of the points with two goals scored in the first minutes of the match. They could have ended the first period with more goals but on two occasions their efforts were stopped by the woodwork. With this victory Xewkija made up for the disappointing result registered against Munxar in their match of the second round.

    The Tigers had an excellent start and opened the score in the 2^nd minute through Christian Bugeja who placed in goal following a through pass by Michael Pace. Munxar had an immediate reaction and could have obtained the equaliser in the following minutes. However, a shot by Patrick Falzon from an ideal position ended high while a lob by Mario Azzopardi following some hesitation at Xewkija’s rearguard ended inches wide. In the 9^th minute the Tigers were again dangerous with a low shot by Christian Bugeja that was turned in corner by goalie Adrian Parnis. One minute later the same Bugeja was unlucky when his angled shot hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.

    However, Xewkija doubled the score in the 14^th minute through a close ranged shot by Joseph Cefai following a pass in the area by Christian Bugeja. Xewkija reduced their pressure for some minutes but still held command of play. In the 38^th minute Munxar’s goalie Parnis partially saved a low cross by Joseph Cefai, but Mark Camilleri’s attempt from the rebound hit the posit. One minute later the same Camilleri had another attempt that was well blocked by goalie Parnis. Munxar could have re-opened the issue in the 42^nd minute but an effort by Patrick Falzon was neutralised by goalie Joseph Grima.

   After the resumption the Tigers continued to dictate matters. In the 46^th minute Munxar’s goalie Parnis saved with difficulty a shot by Luc Tefogno following a pass by Joseph Azzopardi. The score became 3-0 in the 52^nd minute. The referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Matthew Debrincat on Luc Tefogno and Christian Bugeja converted from the spot kick. Minutes later Luca Tefogono had another attempt which was saved in corner by goalie Adrian Parnis and in the 57^th minute a shot by Josef Xerri from a pass by Mark Camilleri ended inches wide. In the 61^st minute a shot by Josef Xerri from a pass by Mark Camilleri ended just wide. Xewkija increased their lead four minutes later with a low shot by Paul Rapa following a pass by Christian Bugeja. In the 73^rd minute the score became 5-0 with a goal by substitute Manwel Xerri, who placed in goal with a low shot following an inviting pass by Paul Rapa. Mark Camilleri sealed the issued in the first minute of stoppage time by concluding a through pass by Joseph Azzopardi. Referee: George Portelli

MATCH PHOTO GALLERY