Xaghra Obtain First Win

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II
Kercem Ajax Stadium

Qala S : 1 (B. Sammut 89’)

L. Xuereb, G. Sillato, M. Cefai (J. Attard), J. Rapa, M. Pace (B. Sammut), J. Buttigieg, F. Mumford, S. Sillato, C. Portelli (D. Portelli), C. Caruana, J. Mifsud.

Xaghra U : 3 (L. Attard 18’, 68’, 76’)

F. Azzopardi, S. Sultana, M. Galea, D. Bajada, J. Xerri, O. Pogukay (G. Farrugia), D. Bartolo (E. Xiberras), L. Attard, J. Bajada, S. Galea (N. Theuma), M. Grima.

Xaghra United prolonged their positive start in the campaign with a deserved win over Qala in the first match from Match-Day 2 of the BOV Gozo Football league Division II.  In this match Xaghra were determined to improve their performance of their previous match, where they obtained a point form a draw in their opening match, while Qala seemed determined to recover from a defeat conceded in their respective opening match.  For most of the first hour of the match play was rather balanced but Xaghra were more effective in their actions on Qala’s goal and managed to end the first half in the lead.  Xaghra doubled the score midway through the second half and took advantage when Qala lost their concentration so that they practically made sure of the victory by scoring the third goal.  Xaghra’s Luke Attard was the main protagonist for his side by scoring a hat-trick.

Xaghra came out more aggressive and produced some pressure on Qala’s defense during the opening stages of the encounter.  However, the Blues failed to create serious danger towards Qala’s keeper and the first serious scoring opportunity of the match arrived from Qala on 17 minutes when a corner kick by Christian Portelli was saved with difficulty with the aid of the post by Xaghra’s keeper Frankie Azzopardi.  Xaghra opened the score one minute later when Qala’s defense failed to clear the ball from the area and from the resultant melee Luke Attard took the ball and netted from close distance.  Qala’s reaction was sterile as Xaghra were well deployed at their defense and the Blues also operated some dangerous counter breaks but the score remained unchanged until the break.

For the second period the two sides seemed more motivated for different reason.  Xaghra were aiming to increase their lead while Qala struggled to recover the deficit.  On 59 minutes Qala were dangerous through a direct free kick by substitute Daniel Portelli that was saved in two attempts by goalie Frankie Azzopardi.  Xaghra doubled the score on 68 minutes when Luke Attard received a ball in the area and placed in goal as soon as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt to block the danger.  Qala seemed demoralized and on 76 minutes Xaghra increased their lead through another goal by Luke Attard who netted with a low drive towards the far position following a move inside Qala’s area by Marvic Grima.  Two minutes later the Blues could have added another goal but two consecutive attempts by Johann Bajada and substitute Gabriel Farrugia were blocked by goalie Lorjean Xuereb.  On 89 minutes Qala scored their consolation goal through a header by substitute Bernard Sammut following a corner kick by Christian Portelli.

Referee: Marko Markovic