5 October 2022
GFA 2nd Division Challenge Cup (MD 5) Gozo Stadium
Xaghra United FC: 1
SK Victoria Wanderers: 4
7’ (0-1) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
25’ (1-1) Joel Xuereb
49’ (1-2) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
52’ (1-3) Joseph George Vella
82’ (1-4) Aud-Gustine James Obaje
Xaghra U:
A. Debono, S. Galea, L. Sultana, L. Meilak (C. Debono), J. Xuereb, M. Cordina (J. Bajada), S. Sultana (J.K. Farrugia), M. Mamo (E. Scerri), D. Azzopardi, F.J. Xuereb (S. Bonello), L. Garcia Panesso.
SK Victoria W:
O. Xuereb, J.G. Vella, N. Camilleri, W.J. Meilak, A.J. Obaje, D. Kuru (K. Lupi Spencer), S. Harland, S.F. Bajada (A. Refalo), K. Grima, O. Fenech, N. Vella (J. Saliba).
In the last match from the qualifying round robin of the 2nd Division Challenge Cup a win over Xaghra United, they ended this phase of the competition on maximum points. Before this match, the two sides were already mathematically qualified for the final as they both obtained four wins from the first four matches. Thus, this encounter had to determine the final placement of the table. With this win, the Wanderers took revenge for the defeat conceded in the match against Xaghra from the preliminary round of the MFA Amateur Cup.
The two sides were aiming to obtain a positive result as they both seem determined to be serious challengers for the main honours of the category this season. This second match of the season between the two sides confirmed that Xaghra and SK Victoria Wanderers have the potential to be among the main protagonists this season. The match was quite interesting during the first half as the result remained uncertain but the Wanderers scored two goals in the space of three minutes during the opening stages of the second period so the match lost much of the interest and the Wanderers ended up obtaining a deserved win.
Timeline
The match during the first period turned out to be very contested as the Wanderers scored an early goal and Xaghra had a determined reaction so that they held the initiative of play for most of the first half. Victoria was forced to defend their area with many players and they threatened Xaghra’s rear guard with sporadic counter breaks so that both sides could have ended the first period in the lead.
7’ (0-1) The Wanderers opened the score with a goal That arrived through an initiative by Aud-Gustine James Obaje who entered the area and concluded in the net as the goalkeeper left his position in an attempt o block the danger.
15’ Xaghra replied with a close-ranged shot by Steve Sultana that was blocked with some difficulty by goalie Omar Xuereb.
25’ (1-1) Xaghra were rewarded for their efforts and recovered the score when Daniel Azzopardi delivered a cross from the right flank and Joel Xuereb surprised the defence with a first-timer from close distance.
28’ Xaghra went very close to turning the result in their favour but a lob from a long distance By Leiner Garcia Panesso, when Victoria’s goalie was out of his position, ended inches wide.
40’ Xaghra were again dangerous through a low shot aimed towards the far post by Joel Xuereb, after receiving from Savio Galea, that ended just wide.
45+1’ The Wanderers could have regained the lead when Aud-Gustine James Obaje entered Xaghra’s area with personal action and from his pass, Joseph George Vella released himself from his direct opponent but his curling shot, with the goalkeeper beaten, ended just wide.
HT (1-1)
Second Half
After the break, the Citizens came out more determined in an attempt to take away some pressure from their defence and capitalised from two good chances so that they opened a two-goal lead before the hour mark. Xaghra struggled to produce a reaction so that Victoria managed to administer their lead until the end of the encounter.
4’ (1-2) SK Victoria Wanderers regained the lead when Aud-Gustine James Obaje entered Xaghra’s territory with personal action and as soon as he entered the area the striker fired in goal with a fine strike.
7’ (1-3) Victoria increased their lead through a goal that arrived directly from a free kick converted by Joseph George Vella.
9’ Xaghra were shocked and Victoria was again dangerous through an effort from an ideal position by Sam Harland that ended just wide.
15’ Xaghra replied through a direct free kick by Matthias Cordina that ended high.
31’ The Wanderers went again close to scoring through a low shot by Aud-Gustine James Obaje that ended just wide.
37’ (1-4) SK Victoria Wanderers scored the fourth goal through a shot from an angled position by Aud-Gustine James Obaje that ended out of the reach of Xaghra’s keeper.
FT (XU 1 – SKVW 4)
Referee: Alex Johnson
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