Xaghra obtain a deserved win

4 September 2022

GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (MD 1) Gozo Stadium

Xaghra United FC : 2

Munxar Falcons FC : 0

20’ (1-0) Leiner Garcia Panesso

38’ (2-0) Daniel Azzopardi

Xaghra U:

L. Xuereb, S. Galea (E. Galea), C. Debono (L. Meilak), L. Sultana (J. Bajada), J. Xuereb (J.K. Farrugia), M. Cordina, S. Sultna, M. Mamo, D. Azzopardi, F.J. Xuereb, L. Garcia Panesso.

Munxar F:

D. Galea, C. Gafa’, A. Buttigieg, R. Meilak, M. Debrincat, S. Farrugia, H.F. Solis, M. Zerafa, B. Said, T. Axiak (P. Parnis), K. Mizzi (J.P. Grima).

Xaghra United scored two goals in the opening half of their match against Munxr Falcons and managed to defend their lead for the rest of the encounter so that they earned the first three points in the competition.  The match produced some good scoring opportunities at the two ends of the field but Xaghra capitalised better and practically they managed to put their minds at rest from the win at an early stage of the encounter.

Timeline:

Play for most of the first half took place in the midfield as both sides were aiming to take the lead. However, as time passed by Xaghra became more dangerous and managed to take the break with a two-goal lead.

20’ (1-0) Xaghra opened the score when Leiner Garcia Panesso entered Munxar’s territory with a personal action, turned around the goalkeeper and deposited the ball easily in goal.

27’ The same Garcia Panesso could have added another goal when he received the ball inside Munxar’s area from Joel Xuereb but the former hesitated to conclude and his close ranged attempt was blocked by the goalkeeper and the defence cleared the danger from the area.

31’ Xaghra missed another good scoring opportunity when Leiner Garcia Panesso once again entered Munxar’s area and turned around the goalkeeper, but on this occasion his low drive hit the side of the net.

34’ Munxar went very close to level the score when a shot by Ryan Meilak, after receiving from Henry Fabian Solis, almost surprised Xaghra’s goalie Daniel Galea but the latter recovered in time and saved the danger in two attempts.

35’ The same goalkeeper denied Munxar from scoring with a fine save to turn to a corner a low shot by Brandon Said.

38’ (2-0) Munxar were punished for the missed chances as Xaghra doubled the score. Christian Debono delivered the ball inside Munxar’s area from a free kick, Joel Xuereb headed towards the goalmouth and Daniel Azzopardi fired in goal from close distance.

40’ Munxar replied with an initiative by Tristan Axiak who released Brandon Said but the latter hit badly from a good position and the goalkeeper saved the danger.

42’ The Falcons could have reduced the deficit but a strike by Ryan Meilak following a clearance by Xaghra’s defence missed the target.

HT (0-0)

Second Half

After the resumption Munxar tried to increase their efforts in an attempt to recover the deficit but Xaghra grew in confidence as time passed by and continued to produce more dangerous actions.

5’ Xaghra’ Fabian John Xureb had a good header following a free kick by Christian Debono that ended just wide.

8’ Xaghra were again dangerous but an attempt directly from a free kick by Christian Debono ended just high.

12’ Munxar replied through a free kick by Henry Fabian Solis that ended high.

16’ Xaghra operated a dangerous break when Joel Xuereb released Luke Sultana inside Xaghra’s area but the latter saw his close ranged attempt that was blocked by goalie Daniel Galea.

18’ (crossbar) Xaghra went very close to increase the lead when a lob from long distance by Leiner Garcia Panesso with the goalkeeper out of his position ended on the crossbar.

27’ In another offensive action by Xaghra Joel Xuereb tried to conclude from the edge of the area.  The striker had his first attempt that was blocked by the goalkeeper but the same Xuereb took the rebound and his curling shot aimed towards an open goal missed the target so that the defence cleared the ball from the danger area to a corner. 

36’ Munxar missed a good opportunity to re-open the issue when substitute John Paul Grima released Henry Fabian Solis but the latter saw his lob over the goalkeeper that ended wide.

45+3’ Munxar had the last opportunity to reduce the score but a low shot by Henry Fabian Solis following a persona action was weak and goalie Lorjean Xuereb saved without difficulty.

FT (XU 2 – MF 0)

Referee: Stefan Minic