Xaghra remain in contention for promotion with a convincing win

26 February 2023

GFA BOV Gozo Football League Division II (MD 12) Kercem Arkafort Stadium

Munxar Falcons FC : 0

Xaghra United FC : 4

19’ (0-1) Michael Bezzina

30’ (0-2) Luke Meilak

78’ (0-3) Savio Galea

80’ (0-4) Michael Bezzina

Munxar F:

D. Galea, A. Buttigieg, R. Meilak, S. Farrugia, H.F. Solis, M. Zerafa, M. Debrincat, G. Sillato, D.C. Njoku, A. Zammit (J.K. Farrugia), M. Farrugia.

Xaghra U:

L. Xuereb, S. Galea (L. Meilak), J. Xuereb (C. Debono), M. Cordina (L. Sutana), S. Sultana, M. Mamo (E. Galea), D. Azzopardi, K. Mercieca, F.J. Xuereb, M. Bezzina, L. Garcia Panesso.

Xaghra United extended their good moment of form which saw them recovering from a heavy deficit from the leaders and obtained three points with the least possible effort from a 4-0 win over Munxar Falcons.  Xaghra dictated matters through the ninety minutes and the win could have even been with a larger margin.  However, Xaghra were often erratic in their finishing and Munxar managed to avoid a heavier defeat. The win for Xaghra matured with two goals scored in each half so Munxar were not allowed the possibility to recover.  With this win, Xaghra remains just three points behind the current leaders and is very close to be mathematically certain of at least the runners-up position which would give them the possibility to challenge for promotion to the Play-Off with the team ending at the second place from the bottom in the Play-Out of the top flight.

Timeline:

Xaghra came out very aggressive and produced pressure on Munxar’s defence from the early stages.  Munxar struggled to protect their area and found it more difficult to surprise their opponents with counter breaks.

19’ (0-1) Xaghra opened the score with a good finish by Michael Bezzina that surprised Munxar’s goalie.

30’ (0-2) Xaghra kept insisting and doubled the score through an effort by Luke Meilak.

HT (0-2)

Second Half

Munxar seemed demoralised while Xaghra administered their two-goal lead with authority so that the latter also managed to make sure of the win by scoring two more goals in the space of two minutes.

78’ (0-3) The third goal for Xaghra arrived through substitute Savio Galea who concluded in goal from a corner action.

80’ (0-4) Xaghra’s Michael Bezzina scored his second personal goal and the fourth for his side with a good shot following a personal initiative.

FT (MF 0 – XU 4)

Referee: Anthony Paul Vella