BOV 3RD DIVISION LEAGUE

GOZITANS EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN

J Xuereb (J Grima), J Cefai, PP Buttigieg, C Hili, B Meilak, J Attard, J Camilleri, A Portelli, JM Portelli, J Buttigieg, SF Bajada (M Mifsud).

     Gozo FC remain at the top of the table with maximum points following a victory over Luqa St Andrews. The victory matured with a goal scored in each half that practically eliminated all Luqa’s hopes to obtain a positive result. The Saints were aiming to obtain points in their last match of the first round to catch up the race for the play-offs. They had a prudent approach, and created their danger mainly through fast breaks. Gozo, on the other hand dictated matter and remained concentrated even though the first goal arrived late in the first half.

      The hosts came out more aggressive and saw more of the ball from the initial stages. However, Luqa produced the first dangerous action in the 8^th minute when Alessandro Pirrone had an effort following a fast break blocked by goalie Jonathan Xuereb. Three minutes later a goal by Anthony Portelli following a free kick by Brian Meilak was disallowed for an offside infringement. Gozo’s skipper Anthony Portelli, who had an excellent performance during the first period, had a header in the 18^th minute that ended just over the crossbar and in the 27^th minute Luqa’s goalie John Agius saved a low shot by the same Portelli. Two minutes later the Saints could have opened the score. Gozo’s rearguard cleared badly a corner kick, Mark Said took the lose ball but his shot was cleared off the line by Peter Paul Buttigieg.

     Luqa’s goalkeeper was called to make a good save in the 32^nd minute following an attempt by John Camilleri and minutes later to save a header by the same striker. The same goalkeeper denied Joseph M Portelli from scoring when the striker was released in the area by Anthony Portelli in the 37^th minute. Gozo opened the score in the 43^rd minute through a close ranged header by Anthony Portelli following a cross by John Camilleri.

     After the resumption the visitors tried to produce a reaction and in the 46^th minute Cgris Penza’s header from a free kick by Owen Psaila ended just wide. In the 53^rd minute the Saints were also unlucky when a shot from outside the area by Clive Psaila hit the crossbar. Gozo regained command of play in the last part of the match. In the 69^th minute Luqa’s goalie saved well a low shot from an indirect free kick in the area by Brian Meilak and minutes later blocked a closed ranged effort by John Camilleri. Agius was agin called to make difficult saves following efforts by John Camilleri and Joseph Portelli.

      The hosts doubled the score in the 80^th minute through a tap-in by Joseph M Portelli following a fast break by John Camilleri. Three minutes later Agius saved a low shot by Anthony Portelli and the same Portelli could have increased the score in the first minute of stoppage time but his attempt following a fast break by Joseph M Portelli was saved by the goalkeeper.

Referee: Glenn Tonna

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