Qala, Wanderers block each other in a goalless draw

16 February 2024

GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 13) Gozo Stadium

Qala Saints FC : 0

SK Victoria Wanderers FC : 0

Qala S:

O. Attard, N. Inguanez (M. Xerri 85), Jsph. Buttigieg, J.V. Ferrari Silva, L.B. Da Silva, M. Buttigieg (C. Vella 85), L.M. Dos Santos, E. Buttigieg, J. Parnis, C. Mercieca, I. Nedeljkovic.

SK Victoria W:

A. Parnis, A. Galiano Lazarini, N. Camilleri (A. Refalo 80), K. Mercieca, M.V. Claudino Ramos (Choco), J. Conceicao Cabral (N. Vella 80), E. Zammit, C.S. Souza Da Silva (M. Gafa 90+1), G. Farrugia, J. Xuereb (J. Saliba 74), L. Fenech.

Challengers for the title Qala Saints and SK Victoria Wanderers, who were in third place on the table before this match, earned a point each from a clash where the two sides needed a win to defend their status in the standings.  Therefore the outcome of the encounter did not satisfy either side as the Maroons missed an opportunity to keep the pressure on the leaders, while the Wanderers failed to consolidate their position and remain very close to other teams who are behind them on the table.

The match was dominated by the two defensive departments who were both very well organised and made it very difficult for the respective strikers to create danger.  Play for most of the first period took place in the midfield with very few scoring opportunities and after the break the two sides tried to be more adventurous but the score remained unchanged.  During the final stages, Qala managed to take command of play but their pressure on Victoria’s defence only produced one serious scoring opportunity so that the encounter ended with a just result.

Timeline:

The two sides were very prudent in their approach and they both struggled to produce danger at the two ends of the field so that the two goalkeepers were not called to make difficult interventions.

3’ The Wanderers could have created more danger but a header from a good position by Gabriel Farrugia from a corner action was weak and goalie Owen Attard saved without difficulty.

8’ Qala also had an opportunity that could have been more dangerous when the ball arrived to Igor Nedeljkovic from a corner action but the striker saw his shot from a good position that ended just wide.

29’ Qala’s Igor Nedeljkovic had another attempt but on this occasion, Victoria’s goalie Adrian Parnis was well placed and saved the danger without difficulty.

HT (0-0)

Second Half

After the break, the Wanderers seemed more aggressive but they failed to capitalise on their chances.  As time passed by, Qala came out of their defence and ended up producing continuous pressure on Victoria’s rearguard in an attempt to clinch the win but the score remained at a deadlock until the final whistle.

5’ The Citizens could have opened the score when Caique Silvio Souza Da Silva delivered a low inviting cross inside Qala’s area but the close ranged shot by Joel Xuereb was well saved by Qala’s keeper Owen Attard.

6’  The same goalkeeper was called to make another important intervention to save a good shot from a good position by Victoria’s Junior Conceicao Cabral.

24’  Qala replied with an attempt by Igor Nedeljkovic but Victoria’s goalie Adrian Parnis saved without difficulty.

28’ (crossbar) Qala had their best scoring opportunity when Jordi Parnis passed from the left-hand side and his pass Christian Mercieca had a curling shot that ended beyond the reach of the goalkeeper but was stopped by the crossbar.  Qala’s Lucas Baretto Da Silva arrived on the ball from the rebound but his effort ended away from goal.

30’ Qala’s last opportunity to win the match arrived through a shot by Lucas Baretto Da Silva, after receiving from Igor Nedeljkovic, but goalie Adrian Parnis was at the right place and saved the danger.

FT (QS 0 – SKVW 0)

Referee: Andrea Sciriha

Assistant Referees: Gerald William Zammit Young, Paul Apap