Xaghra defeat SK Victoria Wanderers

6 October 2022

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II (MD 1) Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Xaghra United FC: 1

SK Victoria Wanderers : 0

36’ (1-0) Fabian John Xuereb

Xaghra U:

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

SK Victoria W:

O. Xuereb, J.G. Vella, N. Camilleri, A. Refalo, A.J. Obaje, E. Zammit, S. Harland, S.F. Bajada, K. Grima, O. Fenech (J.W. Meilak), N. Vella.

Xaghra United confirmed their ambitions to be serious challengers for promotion this season and obtained the full points at stake from their match against SK Victoria Wanderers with a 1-0 win.  This opening match of the BOV Gozo Football League of the 2nd division 2022/2023 was considered a direct clash between the two main challengers to win the honour of the category and promotion, as both Xaghra United and SK Victoria Wanderers dominated the qualifying round of the 2nd Division Challenge Cup that was contested during the past month.  It was also the third match of the season so far between the two sides where Xaghra prevailed in the matches from the MFA Amateur Cup and in this first match of the campaign, while the Wanderers won the match against Xaghra from the 2nd division Challenge Cup.

In this match, Xaghra deserved the win as they seemed more organised and determined.  Xaghra were well deployed at their defence and made it extremely difficult for Victoria’s strikers to create danger.  At the midfield, Xaghra had a high work rate with good recovery and adequate support to the strikers so Victoria’s rear guard was often under pressure.  The Wanderers had a disappointing performance as they seemed nervous and failed to express their potential.

Timeline

Xaghra saw more of the ball for most of the first period so that the Wanderers were forced to defend and operated only sporadic counter breaks.  Xaghra’s better possession produced better scoring opportunities and took the break with a deserved lead.

3’ The Wanderers created a good scoring opportunity when Emerson Zammit entered Xaghra’s area from the right flank but his shot ended on the side of the net.

5’ Xaghra replied with a header by Steve Sultana following a free kick from the right flank that also ended on the side of the net.

18’ Xaghra went very close to scoring but an attempt directly from the corner kick by Matthias Cordina was cleared off the goal line to another corner by Neil Camilleri.  From the resultant corner action, taken by Christian Debono, a header by Fabian John Xuereb ended wide.

36’ (1-0) Xaghra opened the score when a header by Fabian John Xuereb following a corner kick by Christian Debono ended in goal despite the attempt of the defence to clear the ball off the fatal line.

41’ Xaghra missed a good opportunity to double the lead but Luke Meilak incredibly concluded high from an ideal position following a through pass by Matthias Cordina.

HT (1-0)

Second Half

The Wanderers tried to produce a reaction after the break but Xaghra defended well and the Citizens continued to find it very difficult to create serious scoring opportunities. As time passed by Xaghra gained confidence and threatened Victoria’s defence on more than one occasion.

7’ The Wanderers missed a good opportunity to level the score when Aud-Gustine James Obaje entered Xaghra’s area but his shot aimed towards the far post ended wide.

44’ Xaghra could have sealed the win but a strike by substitute Justin Formosa was well saved by goalie Omar Xuereb.

FT (XU 1 – SKVW 0)

Referee: Mehmet Oral