Munxar consolidate their second spot on the table

19 February 2022

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II (MD 9) Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Zebbug Rovers FC : 0

Munxar Falcons FC: 2

13’ (0-1) Robert Grima

21’ (0-2) Kenneth Mizzi

Zebbug R:

F. Portelli, I. Buttigieg, E. Bugeja, C. Gauci, M. Stojanovic, E. Gauci, N.J. Cini (M. Camilleri Psaila), M. Grech, R. Saliba (J. Azzopardi), P. Spiteri, O. Mercieca (O. Atzori).

Munxar F:

D. Galea, C. Gafa, A. Buttigieg, P. Rapa, M. Azzopardi, L. Meilak (D.P. Borg), N. Haber, L. Portelli, A. Carvalho (M. Farrugia), R. Grima, K. Mizzi (J.P. Grima).

Munxar Falcons recovered from the defeat conceded in the top of the table clash the previous weekend and obtained a 2-0 win over Zebbug Rovers and with the points obtained they extended their lead over the same Zebbug and St Lawrence Spurs on the table.

Munxar were the better side for most of the encounter.  The 2-0 win matured with two goals scored during the first part of the encounter so that they took the driving seat and managed to control Zebbug’s timid reaction.  Munxar however failed to make sure of the win by scoring the third goal while Zebbug were very erratic in their finishing so they missed some good opportunities where they could have re-opened the issue.  With this result, Zebbug remain in fourth place on the table and compromised their positive performances of the first round where they were at one point considered as outsiders for the top positions.

Timeline

Munxar seemed more determined from the first minutes of play and dominated over their opponents for most of the first half.  The Rovers struggled to produce danger towards Munxar’s goal and only managed to threaten their opponents through a weak reaction during the final stages of the first period.

13’ (0-1) Munxar opened the score when Ayesller Carvalho’s crossed from the right flank, the ball arrived at Robert Grima at the edge of the area and the latter addressed towards goal with a low weak shot but the ball hit the base of the post and surprised the goalkeeper so that it ended in the net.

Zebbug failed to produce a reaction and Munxar continued to dictate matters.

21’ (0-2) The Falcons doubled the score when a strike by Ayesller Carvalho was blocked by the defence and the ball arrived in an unmarked Kenneth Mizzi who fired in goal with a shot.

31’ Zebbug could have capitalised better but a low shot from the edge of the area by Nathan John Cini was neutralised by goalie Daniel Galea.

35’ In another action by the Rovers a shot from a long distance by Eman Bugeja ended over the crossbar.

37’ Munxar replied with a strike from outside the area by Ayesller Carvalho that was saved without difficulty by goalie Francesco Portelli.

44’ The Rovers were again dangerous following a prolonged action but Nathan John Cini’s shot from a good position, after receiving from Milos Stojanovic, was well saved by goalie Daniel Galea.

HT (0-2)

Second Half

Zebbug came out more aggressive for the second period in an attempt to reopen the issue but Munxar were well deployed, kept their area clear from danger and operated their offensive play mainly with counter breaks.

12’ Munxar operated a counter break through Luke Portelli who entered the area but had his low shot that was blocked by goalie Francesco Portelli.

31’ Munxar could have made sure of the win by scoring the third goal when Ayesller Carvalho entered Zebbug’s area but his shot from an angled position was blocked to a corner.

39’ The Rovers had their best scoring opportunity to reduce the deficit but a header by Eric Gauci following a cross from the right flank by Eman Bugeja was stopped by the post.

40’ Munxar’s goalie Daniel Galea was well placed to block a first-timer by substitute Orlando Atzori following a corner action.

42’ Munxar went again close to scoring when Luke Portelli took the ball from the defence and entered the area but Zebbug’s goalie Francesco Portelli managed to block the two consecutive attempts by Munxar’s striker.

FT (ZR 0 – MF 2)

Referee: Reuben Scerri