Thiago Melo Dos Santos Scores Four Goals as Xewkija Consolidate Leadership

GFA BOV GFL Division I                                                                             Gozo Stadium

Oratory Y       :           1          (S. Gwar 54’pen.)

1. Camilleri, K. Borg (Ju. Attard), J. Polo Longarela, M. Gauci, B. Polo Longarela, K. Farrugia, B. Perello Palou, A. debrincat (J. Bonnici), D. Azzopardi (P. Said), S. Gwar, M. Buttigieg.

Xewkija T       :           4          (T. Melo Dos Santos 28’, 48’, 51’, 78’)

1. Sultana, R. Buttigieg (J. Cefai), M. Xerri, D. Sakic, J. Azzopardi, M. Hrubsa, S. Bajada, G. Hili (P. Rapa), E. Vella (C. Bugeja), C. frances, T. Melo Dos Santos.

Xewkija Tigers took revenge for the defeat conceded against Oratory Youths in the match between the two sides of the first round and in this match from the second round of the championship they earned three points from a convincing 4-1 win.  Xewkija thus took full advantage of the results of the other matches and they are now leading the table with four points more than their closest rivals Ghajnsielem, and six points more than the other contenders Nadur Youngsters.  In this match play was rather balanced during the first period but Xewkija managed to end the half with a one goal lead.  The Tigers practically made sure of the victory with two quick goals scored during the opening stages of the second period so that they controlled play for the rest of the encounter.  The main protagonist of the match was Xewkija’s striker Thiago Melo Dos Santos who scored the four goals for his side.  The Brazilian striker made up for the absence of Dene Shields in attack, due to a suspension, and also ended a series of eight consecutive championship matches where he did not manage to be among the scorers for his side.  Thiago Melo Dos Santos is now leading the top scorers table with nine goals, one more than his team mate Dene Shields.

During the first part of the match Xewkija found some difficulties to create serious danger.  Xewkija’s first attempt at Oratory’s goal arrived on 9 minutes but Gennaro Hili’s shot was neutralised by goalie Leonard Camilleri.  On 13 minutes a shot by Shaun Bajda ended over Oratory’s goal and the Youths replied on 24 minutes through a shot by Andrea Debrincat from outside the area that was easily saved by goalie Steve Sultana.  Xewkija opened the score on 28 minutes through an excellent header by Thiago Melo Dos Santos following a corner kick by Shaun Bajada.  Xewkija tried to maintain pressure on Oratory’s defence and on 31 minutes the same Dos Santos had a good effort that was blocked to a corner by central defender Manuel Gauci.  From the resultant corner kick by Shaun Bajada, Rodney Buttigieg’s header ended just wide.  Three minutes later Oratory’s Sibi Gwar had a close ranged shot following a cross by Bartomeu Perello Palou that was saved by goalie Steve Sultana and on 37 minutes the same Sibi Gwar had a good strike following a prolonged action inside Xewkija’s area that was blocked by the defence.  Xewkija could have been more dangerous on 43 minutes but Rodney Buttigieg hit weak from a good position and the goalkeeper saved without difficult and in another good action by Xewkija one minute later a header by Thaigo Melo Dos Santos following a cross by Shaun Bajada ended wide.

Xewkija had an excellent start to the second period and doubled the score on 48 minutes through a flying header by Thiago Melo Dos Santos following a cross from the left flank by Claudio Frances.  The same Thiago Melo Dos Santos increased the lead on 51 minutes with a low shot when he came face to face with the goalkeeper but on 54 minutes Oratory reduced the deficit.  The referee awarded a penalty for handling by Manwel Xerri in front of Xewkija’s goal from a corner action and Sibi Gwar converted from the spot kick.  Oratory failed to capitalise from the good moment as Xewkija regained command of play and could have re-established the three–goal difference one minute later but Claudio Frances had a shot on the run following a pass by Rodney Buttigieg that ended just wide.  In another occasion on the hour mark Shaun Bajada had a lob after receiving from Gennaro Hili that ended on the roof of the net.  Xewkija scored their fourth goal on 78 minutes when Oratory’s defence stopped for an offside infringement but the referee waved play-on and the ball arrived to an unmarked Thiago Melo Dos Santos who netted easily from close distance.  Two minutes later Xewkija’s Claudio Frances had a good shot that ended just high and Oratory could have scored their second goal on 85 minutes, but substitute Paul said had a low drive that ended inches away from the far post, and also on the stroke of regular time, but Javier Polo Longarela had a header that ended on the roof of the net.

Referee: Alan Mario Sant