RANGERS TURN A DEFEAT INTO A VICTORY WITH SECOND HALF GOALS

S. Sultana, P. Buttigieg, J. Cefai, F. Apap, J. Vella, B. Meilak, J. Buttigieg, R. Grech, R. Buttigieg (M.Mifsud), A. Portelli (L. Camilleri), O. Farrugia (P. Camilleri).

M. Pace (B. Bartolo), J. Fenech, J. Mercieca, P. Ciantar, S. Calleja, E. Calleja, A. Lagana, J. Galea, G. Scerri, O. Rababan, M.A. Deguara.

  Zebbug Rangers produced a fine performance in the second period to recover a one goal deficit and obtain a convincing win over Gozo FC.  With this result the Gozitans extended the series of negative results which leaves them at the bottom of the table and in serious relegation trouble.  The Gozitans had an encouraging first half and ended the first forty five minutes of play with a deserved lead.  However, they were surprised with Zebbug’s reaction in the second period and failed to maintain composure in an attempt to save the result.

  The hosts came out more aggressive and maintained territorial supremacy.  In the first minute of play Anthony Portelli unmarked Josef Cefai in the area but from the latter’s low cross Rodney Buttigieg arrived late and failed to connect from close distance.  On 12 minutes a shot from the edge of the area by Ferdinando Apap following a clearance by the defence from a corner action ended just over the crossbar and one minute later a cross-shot by Oliver Farrugia ended inches wide.  The Rangers were very dangerous in their first approach to Gozo’s area.

  On 17 minutes Rababan entered the area with a solo action and unmarked James Galea.  The latter had his low shot blocked by central defender Peter Buttigieg and deflected on the post to be cleared definitely by the defence with some difficulty.  Three minutes later Gozo’s Anthony Portelli entered Zebbug’s area with a personal action but had his attempt well saved by substitute goalkeeper Brandon Bartolo.

  The Gozitans were again dangerous on 32 minutes when a header by Rodney Buttigieg from a cross by Josef Buttigieg ended just over the crossbar.  One minute later a close ranged shot by Rodney Buttigieg was blocked by the defence and in an immediate reply by Zebbug a low shot by James Galea, following a move in the area by Gilbert Scerri, was blocked by the goalkeeper.  Gozo opened the score on 37 minutes.  Rodney Buttigieg passed through Zebbug’s rearguard, had his first attempt partially saved by goalie Bartolo but netted from the rebound.  The Rangers tried to produce an immediate reaction but did not manage to create serious danger until half time.

  The Rangers kept insisting after the resumption and levelled the score after only five minutes of play.  A cross from the right flank arrived to an unmarked James Galea who headed easily in goal.  Gozo were shocked and the visitors turned the result in their favour two minutes later.  Gilbert Scerri received the ball at the edge of the area and placed behind goalie Steve Sultana with a precise low shot.  On 54 minutes Gozo’s goalkeeper Steve Sultana was called to make a difficult save to block a direct free kick by Mark Anthony Deguara.  Zebbug increased their lead on 62 minutes.

  Gilbert Scerri passed to Paulo Ciantar just outside the area and the latter concluded in goal with a fine strike.  Four minutes later an effort by Gilbert Scerri was neutralised by Gozo’s goalkeeper.  Gozo replied on 70 minutes through two consecutive attempts by Rodney Buttigieg from a cross by Anthony Portelli that were blocked by the rearguard.

  On 74 minutes Gozo’s goalkeeper was called to make a good save from a free kick by Mark Anthony Deguara and the same goalkeeper denied Gilbert Scerri form scoring another goal two minutes later.  For the remaining minutes Zebbug reduced their pressure but the Gozitans were demoralised and never managed to produce a reaction in an attempt to reopen the issue.