22 February 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 12) Kercem Stadium
Gharb Rangers FC : 3
St Lawrence Spurs FC: 2
5’ (1-0) Baldwin Osayi Igbinobaro
20’ (1-1) Daniel Atzori
33’ (1-2) Eduin Junior Padilla Pedrozo
38’ (2-2) Francesco Xuereb
45’ (3-2) Francesco Xuereb
Gharb R:
A. Micallef, D. Galea, T. Axiak, S. Gauci, B.O. Igbinobaro, F. Xuereb (J. Camilleri 58),
M. Xuereb, C. Zammit (J. Xerri 68), M. Vella, N.J. Camilleri, A. Camenzuli (M. Tabone
46).
St Lawrence S:
J. Xuberras, E. Bugeja (M. Dingli 46), J.M. Portelli, E.J. Padilla Pedrozo, J. Grima, V.J.
Saliba (N. Haber 77), S. Farrugia, C. Farrugia (O. Grech 70), D. Micallef, D. Atzori (D.P.
Rapa 70), J. Saliba (J. Xuereb 77).
In the first match of Match-Day 12 of the Second Division championship, Gharb
Rangers defeated St Lawrence Spurs with a score of 3-2, securing their first victory in
the league. This match was a lively encounter but was practically decided by the five
goals scored during the first half.
In this game, Gharb managed to remain consistent until the final whistle, as in several
matches throughout the season, they had struggled in the second half and missed
opportunities to achieve better results. This result rewards Gharb’s efforts, as despite
being at the bottom of the table, they continue to challenge every opponent in-game
to game.
On the other hand, St Lawrence had a disappointing performance. They had a difficult
start but seemed to take control of the match after turning the result around within a few
minutes. However, in the final moments of the first half, they were caught off guard by
Gharb, who regained the lead. In the second half, St Lawrence appeared confused in
their reaction and failed to capitalise on their best chances to salvage the result. With
this defeat, St Lawrence have practically compromised their chances of finishing in
second place in the standings.
Timeline:
Gharb came out more determined and managed to take an early lead but the Spurs
had a strong reaction and turned the result in their favour. However, Gharb regained
composure and regained the lead with to goals scored just before halftime.
5’ (1-0) Gharb opened the score in their first serious attempt when Marcus Vella
delivered the ball in front of St Lawrence’s goal from a corner kick, the defence failed to
clear the danger and Baldwin Osayi Ogbnobaro concluded in goal with a low shot.
8’ Gharb were again dangerous through a shot by Michael Xuereb that was blocked by
St Lawrence’s defence.
20’ (1-1) St Lawrence levelled the score through a shot from close distance by Daniel
Atzori as Gharb’s defence hesitated to clear the ball from the goalmouth.
26’ St Lawrence’s goalie Joel Sciberras saved with some difficulty a shot from a long
distance by Michel Xuereb.
33’ (1-2) St Lawrence turned the score in their favour when Charlon Farrugia released
Eduin Junior Padilla Pedrozo and the latter placed in goal with a shot towards the far
corner
38’ (2-2) Gharb recovered the deficit when Marcus Vella passed to Igbinobaro inside St
Lawrence’s area and the latter prolonged to Francesco Xuereb who fired in goal from
close distance
44’ Gharb’s Baldwin Oginobaro could have created more danger as he entered St
Lawrence’s territory but his attempt was blocked to a corner by goalie Joel Sciberras.
45’ St Lawrence goalie was at the right place and saved a good attempt by Michael
Xuereb.
45’ (3-2) Gharb regained the lead when Ogbinobaro released Francesco Xuereb at
the edge of the area and the latter concluded in goal with a good shot
45+1’ St Lawrence went close to levelling the score but Gharb’s goalie saved to a corner a
good shot by Charlon Farrugia
HT (3-2)
Second Half
St Lawrence came out for the second period with the intention of producing a reaction in
an attempt to recover the deficit but Gharb grew in confidence as time passed by and
managed to protect their one-goal lead until the final whistle.
8’ St Lawrence could have created more danger but a shot from a good position by
Charlon Farrugia ended wide.
13’ (crossbar) The Spurs were again dangerous through a shot by Jake Saliba that was
saved by Gharb’s goalie Andre Micallef to a corner with the aid of the crossbar.
17’ (protests for penalty) St Lawrence was awarded a free kick for a foul on Jurgen
Mario Portelli is among the protests for the penalty. From the resultant free kick the shot by
James Grima was blocked to a corner by the defence.
40’ Gharb could have made sure of the win by scoring another goal but a shot by
Michael Xuereb ended wide.
FT (GR 3 – SLS 2)
Referee: Steve Baldacchino
Asst. Referees: Kieron Haber, Panagiotis Karvounidis
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