5 October 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 4) Gozo Stadium
Xewkija Tigers FC : 5
Xaghra United FC: 1
3’ (1-0) penalty Brian Alejandro Parada
13’ (2-0) Claudio Daniel Frances
35’ (2-1) Lucas Farrugia
51’ (3-1) Angel Manuel Bustos
71’ (4-1) Denzil Bugeja
78’ (5-1) Julian Farrugia
Xewkija T:
A. Parnis, J. Vella (G. Xerri 81), I. Xuereb, J.M. Vella (M. Bonnici 75), D. Bugeja, B.A. Parada, G. Hili (K. Mercieca 81), A.M. Bustos (J. Buttigieg 75), C.D. Frances, B. Armando Melo Dos Santos (Brenner), J. Farrugia (J. Vella 81).
Xaghra U:
W.C. Santos (Tom), J. Bajada, S. Galea, L. Farrugia (M. Gafa 73), E. Xiberras (S. Sultana 46), M. Mamo (P.J. Mifsud 76), D. Sowatey, T. Agius, J.C. Marini (Claudir), Y. Abedi (Rodo), D. Saliba (J. Xuereb 57).
Xewkija Tigers continued their strong start to the BOV Gozo Football League First Division campaign with a comprehensive 5–1 win over Xaghra United, maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
This match had the potential to be a tricky one for the league leaders, as they were missing several regular players due to injury, while Xaghra were still searching for their first point and goal of the season.
However, Xewkija’s experience showed throughout. Although Xaghra managed to stay in the game until the end of the first half, the Tigers took full control after the break and sealed the win well before the hour mark. With this result, Xaghra remain bottom of the table with no points against one of the title favourites. Xaghra once again struggled to keep pace with superior opposition and showed their limitations in both defence and attack — difficulties that continue to make it hard for them to climb out of their current position in the standings.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline
First Half:
Xewkija came out aggressively, taking a two-goal lead early in the match. As time went on, they eased the pressure slightly, allowing Xaghra to push forward and eventually pull one back before the break to keep their hopes alive.
1’ (1–0, penalty) Xewkija took the lead after just 50 seconds when Xaghra defender Daniel Sowatey handled the ball inside the box. Brian Alejandro Parada converted the penalty with a confident finish.
13’ (2–0) The Tigers doubled their advantage through a fine strike from outside the area by Claudio Daniel Frances, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
25’ (Penalty appeals) – Xaghra protested for a penalty when Claudir went down inside the box under pressure from a defender, but the referee waved play on.
35’ (2–1) – Xaghra scored their first goal of the season, reducing the deficit through Lucas Farrugia, who finished from close range after connecting with a cross from the right by Rodo.
HT (2-1)
Second Half:
Xewkija quickly reasserted control in the second half, extending their lead and creating several more chances that could have increased the scoreline further.
48’ Xewkija missed a good opportunity when a low free kick by Denzil Bugeja confused the Xaghra defence, but no one managed to capitalise before the defenders cleared the danger.
51’ (3–1) The Tigers restored their two-goal cushion when Brian Parada flicked a header towards goal and Angel Manuel Bustos smashed the ball home from close range.
53’ (Penalty appeals) Xewkija claimed another penalty for a possible handball inside the box, but the referee was unmoved.
57’ Xaghra goalkeeper Tom was called into action, saving a shot from Claudio Frances following a pass from Bustos.
64’ Parada had another chance after a good move by Frances, but his effort from a promising position was mis-hit and easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
71’ (4–1) Xewkija extended their lead further when Denzil Bugeja broke through the middle and slotted past the keeper with a composed finish.
78’ (5–1) The Tigers sealed the victory with a fifth goal from Julian Farrugia, who found himself unmarked in front of goal and finished calmly with a low shot.
FT (XT 5 – XU 1)
Referee: Sandro Spiteri
Asst. Referees: Patrick Falzon, Wayne Spiteri
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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