Xaghra earn the first point with a last gasp goal

GFA Gozo Football League Division II

MATCH DETAILS

6 October 2018 – Kercem Ajax Stadium

Sannat L FC: 4 (E.R. Okpokwu 27’, C. Tabone 35’, 42’; J. Zammit 80’)

Mercieca, S. Mizzi, N. Micallef (S. Azzopardi), F. Camilleri, J. Buttigieg, J. Zammit, E.R. Okpokwu, E. Gauci (M. Portelli), M. Mifsud, C. Tabone (D. Borg), F.J. Xuereb.

Xaghra U FC: 4 (J. Attard 20’, K. Hili 59’, S.R. Gabriel 63’, J. Bajada 90+3’)

Attard, J. Xiberras, D. Bajada, J. Attard (J. Bajada), K. Hili, J. Camilleri, S. Sultana, S.R. Gabriel, M. Mamo (G. Farrugia), M. Azzopardi, J.G. Vella.

MATCH REPORT

Contenders for promotion Sannat Lions and Xaghra United shared eight goals and earned a point each from an entertaining match where Xaghra obtained their first point by clinching the equalizer with a goal that arrived during stoppage time.  The two sides were aiming for the full points at stake form this match as Sannat hoped to register their second consecutive win while Xaghra needed to make up for the defeat conceded in their first match in the campaign. The final score rewards the efforts of the two sides but Sannat came out of the field with a great disappointment as they lost two precious points during the final seconds of the encounter.

During the first minute of play Sannat had a good scoring opportunity but Ebube Ralph Okpokwu concluded high after receiving form Joseph Zammit.  The same Okpokwo had a good header on 9 minutes following a corner kick by Charlon Tabone that ended away from goal. On 12 minutes Xaghra were unlucky when a strike by Joseph George Vella from the edge of the area ended away from goal.  Xaghra opened the score on 20 minutes when an attempt by Johnny Camilleri was partially saved by goalie Dylan Mercieca and from the rebound Johann Attard concluded in goal with the ball hitting the crossbar before it ended in the net.  Sannat had an immediate reaction and leveled the score on 27 minutes through Eube Ralph Okpokwu who had his first shot following a personal action that was partially saved by goalie Owen Attard and form the rebound the same player managed to push the ball in goal despite the challenge of a defender.  Sannat increased their pressure and on 35 minutes they turned the result in their favour when Charlon Tabone took the ball following some hesitation at Xaghra’s rear guard and concluded in goal with a low drie.  On 38 minutes Xaghra’s keeper Owen Attard made a good save to block a shot by Ebube Ralph Okpokwu following a solo action but on 42 minutes Sannat increased their lead through a close ranged shot by Charlon Tabone following a low cross by Ebube Ralph Okpokwu.

Xaghra had a good reaction from the initial stages of the second period and reduced the deficit on 59 minutes through Kenny Hili who received the ball inside Sannat’s area in an unmarked position and netted easily with a low shot.  Four minutes later Xaghra leveled the score when Kenny Hili released Samson Remi Gabriel and the latter concluded behind goalie Courtney Mercieca from close distance.  The match became much more exciting and in the following minutes Xaghra’s goalie Owen Attard made two decisive interventions in separate occasions following efforts by Mario Mifsud and Ebube Ralph Okpokwu. On 71 minutes the same goalkeeper made another good save to block a shot by Charlon Tabone following a good move by Ebube Ralph Okpokwu.  Xaghra replied on 80 minutes with a cross shot by Johnny Camilleri that was saved to a corner with difficulty by goalie Courtney Mercieca. Sannat regained the lead on 85 minutes when Joseph Zammit entered Xaghra’s area and surprised the goalkeeper with a low shot from an angled position address to the closest post.  Xaghra were not demoralized and saved the result in the third minute of stoppage time through a close ranged shot by substitute Johann Bajada following a corner kick by Joseph George Vella.

Referee: Massimo Axisa
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