GFA BOV GFL Division I
Gozo Stadium
SK Victoria W: 1 (M. Raskovic 9’)
Vella, M. Azzopardi, S.F. Bajada, A.G. Attard (J. Attard), D. Mercieca, P. Dordevic, S. Draskovic, I. Xuereb, I. Grkajac, O. Farrugia (C. Sciortino), M. Raskovic.
Nadur Y: 2 (C. Antunes 53’pen., M. Zerafa 76’)
Grima, J. Buttigieg, C. Azzopardi, D. Stojanovic, R. Da Silva, C. Hili, M. Hyzler (M. Zerafa), M. Stojanovic, C. Antunes, J. Grima (C. Debono), B. Said (G. Muscat).
Nadur Youngsters registered their second win from three championship match by turning a defeat into a 2-1 win over SK Victoria Wanderers. This was an important match for both Nadur and SK Victoria Wanderers since the two sides were coming from disappointing results in their respective previous match. In this match the Wanderers seemed in a better shape during the first part of the encounter but they seemed overconfident after taking an early lead so that as time passed by the Youngsters recovered and shared play. The Wanderers showed lack of experience and determination during this match and compromised the possibility to obtain a positive result when they missed a penalty midway through the second period. On the other hand Nadur’s win was achieved through a remarkable performance particularly after the break. Nadur’s most experienced players Milos Stojanovic and Claudio Antunes led their side to produce a good reaction and to grow in confidence despite the difficulties that they faced during the first half. Nadur also took immediate advantage as the Wanderers seemed demoralised after giving away a scoring opportunity from a penalty so that they scored the goal that turned the result from a defeat into a victory.
The two teams went close to score an early goal. In the fourth minute of play a header by Oliver Farrugia following a free kick by Predrag Dordevic was weak and defender Ronaldo Da Silva cleared from the goalmouth with the goalkeeper beaten. Nadur replied one minute later when Victoria’s rearguard failed to clear a cross from the right flank but Joseph Grima’s header was well saved by goalie Matthew Vella. The Wanderers took command of play as time passed by and opened the score on 9 minutes through a header by Milanko Raskovic following a cross by Igor Grkajac. Nadur seemed shocked but the Wanderers failed to capitalise form their superiority on the field. On 12 minutes an effort by Igor Grkaja ended on the side of the net and on 28 minutes Ian Xuereb had a header following a cross by Milanko Raskovic that ended just over the crossbar. One minute later Victoria’s Predrag Dordevic entered the area with a personal action from the right flank but his shot was well saved by goalie Mark Grima. Nadur recovered from a difficult start and ended the first half on the attack but the closest that they went to scoring was on 39 minutes through a free kick by Milos Stojanovic that was cleared to a corner from the goalmouth by defender Mario Azzopardi.
Nadur seemed more aggressive after the break while Victoria tried to control play and operate with counter breaks. On 49 minutes Victoria’s goalie Matthew Vella was well placed to save an effort by Joseph Grima and one minute later the Wanderers replied through a shot by Milanko Raskovic that was neutralised by goalie Mark Grima. Nadur levelled the score on 53 minutes following a prolonged action. Victoria’s keeper saved to a corner with difficulty a shot from long distance by Claudio Antunes and from the resultant corner kick by Milos Stojanovic, Victoria’ Milanko Raskovic handled the ball in the area. The referee awarded a penalty and Claudio Antunes converted from the spot kick. The match now became more balanced and on 55 minutes Victoria’s keeper Matthew Vella left his position in time to clear the ball away from the area before Joseph Grima could arrived to hit the target. Four minutes later Victoria’s Igor Grkajac protested for a penalty when he ended on the floor in the area but ended up being cautioned for simulation. On the hour mark Nadur were again dangerous through a shot by Brandon Said that ended just high and on 67 minutes Nadur’s substitute Michael Zerafa failed to connect to an inviting cross by Claudio Antunes. The Wanderers could have regained the lead on 69 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Ronaldo Da Silva on Milanko Raskovic but Predrag Dordevic had his shot from the spot kick that hit the post, crossed the goalmouth and ended wide. The Citizens were immediately punished for the missed chance as Nadur turned the result in their favour and scored what had to be the decisive goal two minutes later when Victoria’s defence cleared badly a corner kick by Milos Stojanovic and Michael Zerafa fire in goal from close distance. Victoria’s reaction was sterile while Nadur increased their confidence and managed to keep the danger away from their area until the end of the encounter. The Youngsters could have also added another goal on 82 minutes but goalie Matthew Vella saved with difficulty a strike by Brandon Said following some hesitation by Victoria’s rearguard.
Referee: Feodor Zammit
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