GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division I
Gozo Stadium
Oratory Y : 1 (PEN: B. Perello Palou 58’)
R. Sammut, D. Azzopardi, J.P. Longarela, K. Farrugia, J. Buttigieg (K. Grima), B. Perello Palou (M. Azzopardi), M. Bengoechea Fernandez, C. Mercieca, M. Buttigieg, Ju. Attard, R. Ebube Okpokwu.
Ghajnsielem FC : 1 (J.J. Sandoval Guarin 70’)
J. Grech, At. Xuereb, D. Mercieca, J.J. Sandoval Guarin, K. Mercieca, Al. Xuereb (D. Atzori), P. Taylor, S.F. Bajada, S. Bajada, J. Buttigieg (K. Grima), E.F. Da Silva Santos.
The match between Oratory Youths and Ghajnsielem was considered as a direct clash between two teams who are aiming to earn a comfortable mid-table position on the standings. The match lived up to the expectations in that the two sides showed that they both lack the strength and potential to be among the challengers for the honours but both Oratory and Ghajnsielem are competitive enough to achieve their ambition. Oratory saw more of the ball and seemed more offensive in their play but Ghajnsielem resisted well and were determined to obtain their second positive result from as many matches in the championship. The final score therefore rewards the efforts of the two sides as neither team managed to prevail over the opponent. For this match Ghajnsielem had Oscar Dario Guerrero Alvaraldo missing due to a suspension while Oratory play midfielder Marcos Bengoechea Fernandez instead of Luciano Mba Mutasi who was in the starting line up in their previous match.
Oratory seemed more organized in their play during most of the first half but overall, play took place mainly in the midfield as the two defensive departments prevailed over the respective strikers. Oratory were dangerous on 7 minutes through a free kick by Marcos Bengoechea Fernandez that took a deflection by the wall and the ball ended just wide with the goalkeeper beaten. On 20 minutes a free kick by Ghajsnielem’s Jhon Jairo Sandoval Guarin was easily neutralized by goalie Richard Sammut and seven minutes later Oratory’s Charles Mercieca had a shot from an angled position that ended on the side of the net. Oratory went very close to scoring one minute later when Ralph Ebube Okpokwu received the ball inside Ghajnsielem’s area in an unmarked position but his close ranged attempt was well blocked by goalie Joseph Grech. On 37 minutes Ghajnsielem could have took advantage of some hesitation by Oratory’s defense to clear the ball from the goalmouth but Phil Taylor’s shot ended wide. Less than a minute later Ghajnsielem’s Josiah Buttigieg had a strike from outside the area, following a clearance by the defense, that ended over the crossbar.
Ghajnsielem started to share more play with their opponents after the break and on 52 minutes they went very close to scoring when Alberto Xuereb entered the area but goalie Richard Sammut left his position in time and managed to block the danger. Oratory opened the score on 58 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Antonio Xuereb on Ralph Ebube Okpokwu and Bartomeu Perello Palou converted from the spot kick. Ghajnsielem replied on 66 minutes through an attempt by Kenneth Mercieca from a free kick by Shaun Bajada that ended just wide. The Blacks leveled the score on 70 minutes through a header by Jhon Jairo Sandoval Guarin following a free kick from the right flank by Shaun Bajada. Ghajnsielem grew in confidence and in the following minutes they created some pressure on Oratory’s defense. On 77 minutes Ghajnsioelem’s Shaun Bajada had a good shot after a personal action that was neutralized by goalie Richard Sammut and four minutes later the same goalkeeper was again well placed to save another good attempt directly from a free kick by Shaun Bajada. Oratory lost a good scoring opportunity on 84 minutes when Bartomeu Perello Palou unmarked Ralph Ebube Okpokwu inside Ghajnsielem’s area but the latter had his low drive addressed to the far post that ended just wide.
Referee: Sandro Spiteri
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