MELLIEHA INFLICT FIRST DEFEAT TO GOZO

GOZO FC  ........... 1  (M. Cordina 30’)

M. Grima, J.P. Grima, M. Azzopardi, J. Cefai, B. Meilak, J. Camilleri (J. Vella), D. Farrugia (C. Sciortino), A. Tramboo, J. Portelli, M. Cordina, O. Farrugia (R. Buttigieg).

MELLIEHA FC  ........... 4 (P. Camilleri 15’, I. Tarik 22’, L. Cauchi 52’, M. Borg St. John 66’)

J. Abela, M. Abela, A.Portelli, L. Cauchi, M. Vella, K. Gauci, P. Camilleri, R. Micallef (J. Vella), R. Vella, W. Borg St. John, I. Tarik (W. Borg).

   Mellieha obtained a convincing victory over Gozo FC at the Sannat Ground so that they maintained their position at the top positions on the table.  This match could result into a direct clash between two contenders for promotion and therefore Mellieha’s three points from this encounter becomes more precious.  It was a deserved win for the visitors as they guarded well their area, and took advantage of a fragile Gozo defense.  The result and the performance for the hosts is a setback in their ambitions to be competitive in the category this seasons, especially following their positive performances produced in their previous two matches.

   The two teams came out with intention to take control of play but Mellieha seemed more dangerous as they took advantage of some gaps at Gozo’s defense.  In the 9^th minute Wayne Borg St. John entered the area following a mis-kick by Gozo’s rearguard but goalie Mark Grima kept composure, deflected the ball and defender Mario Azzopardi recovered position and cleared the danger.  One minute later a good strike by Philip Camilleri was blocked by Gozo’s goalie Grima.  The hosts replied with an attempt by Jason Portelli that was ssaved by goalie James Abela.  The visitors opened the score in the 15^th minute.  Gozo’s Tramboo cleared a ball just outside the area, the ball arrived to Philip Camilleri who netted in goal with an excellent first timer from long distance.  Gozo’s reaction arrived two minutes later through a low shot by John Camilleri from a pass Jason Portelli that was saved by goalie Abela.  Mellieha doubled the score on 22 minutes.  A corner kick by Philip Camilleri was partially cleared by the defnce and Ibrahim Tarik was at the right place, took the loose ball and netted with a half volley.  Gozo were not demoralized and re-opened the issue on the half hour through a low angled shot by Manuel Cordina who was released with a through pass by John Paul Grima.  Minutes later Gozo were again dangerous by Cordina’s effort hit the side of the net.  Mellieha could have increased their lead in the 44^th minute when Wayne Borg St. John came face to face with the goalkeeper, but Gozo’s custodian managed to clear the danger.  Seconds form half time a cross shot by Gozo’s John Camilleri missed the target.

   The hosts tried to recover the deficit after the break and in the 51^st minute a strike by Manuel Cordina was turned in corner by goalie Abela.  Gozo were punished for the missed chance as Mellieha increased the score one minute later.  Luke Cauchi took advantage of a misunderstanding between Gozo’s goalkeeper and the central defender and netted easily into an open goal with a low shot.  Gozo were now demoralized and the seasiders practically made sure of the victory in the 66^th minute.  An effort by Ruben Vella was partially saved by goalie Grima with the aid of the crossbar and from the rebound Wayne Borg St. John guided the ball easily into an open goal.  Gozo’s reply arrived in the 73^rd minute through John Camilleri, who came face to face with the goalkeeper, but concluded over the crossbar.  Gozo were reduced to ten players nine minutes form time as Alex Tramboo was sent off for retaliation.  In the final stages Gozo’s goalkeeper denied Wayne Borg St John from increasing the score on at least two occasions, while Gozo’s best scoring opportunity arrived two minutes form time through a shot by substitute Rodney Buttigieg that was well saved by goalie Abela.