6 April 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 20) Gozo Stadium
Xaghra United FC: 1
Xewkija Tigers FC : 3
40’ (1-0) Johan Alberto Castano
58’ (1-1) Brian Alejandro Parada
65’ (1-2) Julian Farrugia
74’ (penalty missed – saved) Brian Alejandro Parada (XT)
74’ (1-3) Brian Alejandro Parada
Xaghra U:
M. Zammit, S. Galea, L. Farrugia, M. Bezzina, J.A. Castano, S. Sultana (J. Bajada 70), D. Andelovic, D. Sowatey, F.J. Xuereb, C. Galea (S.F. Bajada 70), J.Y. Suzuki Bicudo.
Xewkija T:
N. Kosanin, Js. Vella, J.M. Vella, D. Bugeja, Ju. Vella (C. Abela 56), G. Hili, S. Cassar, C.D. Frances, B.A. Parada, J. Farrugia, E. De Sousa Santos.
Xewkija Tigers continued their good form in the final phase of the championship, despite no longer being in the running for the title, by securing a 3-1 victory over Xaghra United. With this result, Xewkija not only earned their first league win against Xaghra but also maintained their advantage over the team below them in the standings.
On the other hand, Xaghra United, who were a revelation in the first part of the league, have now undone their earlier positive results and are set to finish in fifth place. The match developed into an entertaining contest, with both teams sharing the play in the first half. However, after the break, Xewkija came out more determined, not only to recover from being a goal down but to turn the result around and secure a well-deserved victory. Xewkija’s striker, Brian Alejandro Parada, scored two goals in the match, keeping him in contention for the league’s top scorer award.
Timeline:
For much of the first half, play was concentrated in midfield, with both defences neutralising their opponents’ attacks. Xaghra took advantage of a scoring opportunity just before halftime to go into the break with the lead.
24’ The first serious action came from Xaghra through a shot by Suzuki Bicudo, which was saved with difficulty by goalkeeper Nikola Kosanin. From the resulting corner taken by Bicudo, a header from Savio Galea was partially saved by Kosanin, and the rebound shot from Lucs Farrugia was blocked by the defence for another corner.
27’ Xewkija responded with a shot by Julian Vella, which was neutralised by goalkeeper Mattia Zammit.
30’ Another chance for Xewkija came through a shot by Stefan Cassar, but the ball went over the bar.
40’ (1-0). Xaghra opened the scoring when Suzuki Bicudo delivered a cross from the left and Johan Alberto Castano anticipated the goalkeeper’s move and finished low into the net.
HT (1-0)
Second Half:
Xewkija came out more determined in the second half, took control of the match, and turned the result in their favour by scoring three unanswered goals.
13’ (1-1) Xewkija equalised when a cross from the left by Claudio Daniel Frances was met by Brian Alejandro Parada, who beat the goalkeeper with a header.
19’ Xaghra replied with a shot from outside the box by Damir Andelovic, but it was saved centrally by goalkeeper Nikola Kosanin.
20’ (1-2). Xewkija took the lead when a cross from the right by Parada found Julian Farrugia, who broke through the defence and scored despite the goalkeeper’s attempt to block the danger.
28’ (1-3) penalty, Xewkija practically secured the win with a third goal from a penalty, awarded for a foul by Savio Galea on Brian Alejandro Parada. The Argentine striker had his penalty partially saved by Mattia Zammit, but he followed up and scored from the rebound.
33’ Xaghra came closest to reducing the deficit, but a shot from Damir Andelovic was saved by Kosanin.
FT (XU 1 – XT 3)
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Asst. Referees: Paul Apap, Patrick Falzon
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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