Ghajnsielem Obtain Second Consecutive Win

GFA BOV GFL Division I
Gozo Stadium

Ghajnsielem FC: 3     (R. Kooh Sohna 30’, 87’; J. Camilleri 56’)

Buttigieg, F. Apap, J.J.S. Guarin (J. Attard), K. Mercieca, E.P. Lattes, S. Cassar, C. Camilleri (Al. Xuereb), J. Camilleri, R.A. Kooh Sohna, K. Hili (An. Xuereb), D. Hili.

SK Victoria W: 0

Vrndic, D. Mercieca, S.F. Bajada, M. Azzopardi, A.G. Attard, C. Sciortino, I. Xuereb, P. Dordevic, O. Farrugia (N. Vella), I. Grkajac, M. Raskovic.

Ghajnsielem made it two wins in a row in the championship by defeating SK Victoria Wanderers with a goal scored in each half.  The reigning champions dictated matters for long stretches and were much more dangerous in their play than their opponents.  Ghajnsielem’s defence rarely conceded space to Victoria’s striker to create danger while their strikers were a continuous threat to Victoria’s rear guard.  The Blacks confirmed their positive performance expressed in their opening match of the championship so that that they are expected to remain among the main protagonists in Gozitan football this season.  On the other hand the Wanderers seemed timid in their approach and as a result they were not only erratic in their play but also committed mistakes at their defence which compromised the possibility to repeat the positive performance produced in their previous match.

Ghajnsielem took command of play from the early stages of the encounter and went very close to open the score on 13 minutes when a cross shot from the right flank by Chris Camilleri hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.  Minutes later a cross shot from the opposite flank by Damion Hili also bounced on the crossbar.  The Wanderers managed to defend their area and as time passed by they operated some good actions within Ghajnsielem’s territory.  On 23 minutes the Citizens had a direct free kick by Predrag Dordevic that missed the target.  However, the Blacks confirmed their superiority on the field by scoring the opening goal on the half hour mark through a close ranged header by Raphael Kooh Sohna following a cross from the left flank by Sandoval Guarin.  Ghajnsielem reduced their momentum and started to control play but the Wanderers failed to take advantage as their reaction was sterile.  On 41 minutes a header by Ghajnsielem’s John Camilleri following a through ball by Damion Hili was easily saved by goalie Branko Vrndic and one minute later Victoria’s Igor Grkajac entered Ghajnsielem’s area but his attempt was blocked by the defence.

The early stages of the second period were more contested.  On 47 minutes a header by Victoria’s Milanko Raskovic following a cross by Igor Grkajac was saved in two attempts by goalie Luke Buttigieg and one minute later Ghajnsielem’s Raphael Kooh Sohna entered the area form the right flank and from his low cross Chris Camilleri saw his attempt blocked by the defence with the goalkeeper beaten.  Minutes later a strike by Ghajnsielem’s John Camilleri from outside the area missed the target.  The Blacks doubled the score on 56 minutes when Victoria’s keeper punched within the area a cross from the right flank, Emiliano Lattes fired towards goal and the ball hit John Camilleri and ended into an open goal.  On 63 minutes the Wanderers threatened Ghajnsielem’s rearguard but Chris Sciortino’s attempt following a short clearance by the defence ended high.  One minute later Victoria’s Milanko Raskovic headed weak following a cross by Ian Xuereb and goalie Luke Buttigieg saved without difficulty.  Victoria kept insisting and on 67 minutes a shot cross from the left flank by Igor Grkajac was cleared off the goalmouth by central defender Ferdinando Apap.  Ghajnsielem replied three minutes later through a strike by Emiliano lattes that ended wide and on 74 minutes Chris Camilleri released Raphael Kooh Sohna within Victoria’s territory but the latter had his low shot that was saved by goalie Branko Vrndic.  Ghajnsielem made sure of the victory with the third goal that arrived on 87 minutes through a lob from long distance by Raphael Kooh Sohna that ended into an open goal as the goalkeeper was out of his position.

Referee: Sandro Spiteri