31 October 2025
BOV GFA Cup (Prel. Rd) Sannat Ground
St Lawrence Spurs : 2
Oratory Youths FC : 2
After Extra Time
Oratory win 5-4 on penalties
50’ (0-1) Neil Said
51’ (1-1) Ebube Ralph Okpokwu
68’ (2-1) Michael Xuerreb
74’ (2-2) Aroldinho
St. Lawrence S:
M. Farrugia, N. Haber (K. Borg 60), C. Grima, F.A. De Oliviera, J. Grima, C. Farrugia (J. Saliba 93), D. Azzopardi, D. Micallef, M. Xuereb, E.R. Okpokwu, D.J. Xerri (J. Xuerreb 71).
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona (Z. Camilleri 106), E. Refalo, J.V. Candido, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J.W.O. Jibiri (G. Ellis 46), R. Portelli, C. Azzopardi, S. Attard (O. Xuereb 96), N. Said (C. Saliba 112), J. Attard.
In the first match of the BOV GFA Cup preliminary round, Oratory Youths claimed victory over St Lawrence Spurs after winning 5–4 on penalties, following a 2–2 draw after extra time. With this win, Oratory booked their place in the quarter-finals of Gozo’s second most prestigious football competition.
This was a hard-fought contest between two Second Division sides, both eager to progress and gain confidence for the rest of their league campaign. The match proved to be tightly balanced, with both teams taking the lead at different stages. In the end, Oratory held their nerve in the shoot-out, converting all five of their penalties, while St Lawrence were eliminated after missing their final spot kick.
Match Timeline
First Half:
The opening half was evenly contested, with few clear chances on either side, and the score remained goalless at the break.
4’ St Lawrence goalkeeper Markus Farrugia did well to turn away a low shot by Aroldinho for a corner.
5’ Oratory threatened again through a curling effort by Jurgen Attard, which hit the crossbar.
19’ St Lawrence created a good opportunity when Damien Jude Xerri broke through the defence, but Paul Cremona came off his line quickly to block.
27’ Farrugia was called into action again, saving with his feet from Neil Said’s powerful attempt.
HT (0–0)
Second Half:
The game came to life after the interval, with both sides scoring early goals and continuing to press for a winner.
46’ Oratory might have gone ahead, but Aroldinho fired over from a good position.
50’ (0–1) Oratory took the lead when a cross from substitute Geordie Ellis wasn’t cleared properly, and Neil Said pounced to slot home from close range.
51’ (1–1) St Lawrence equalised almost immediately through Ebube Ralph Okpokwu, who capitalised on a poor clearance to finish inside the box.
56’ Aroldinho went close again, breaking through the defence but firing just over the bar.
64’ St Lawrence responded with a low drive from Felipe Augusto, saved by the goalkeeper.
68’ (2–1) St Lawrence turned the game around thanks to Michael Xuerreb, whose long-range strike left the keeper with no chance.
74’ (2–2) Oratory showed strong character to level again, as Aroldinho took advantage of defensive indecision to score with a precise shot into the corner.
90 mins. (2–2)
Extra Time:
Oratory started the first half of extra time with greater aggression, while St Lawrence defended well and created the better chances late on.
First Half of Extra Time
95’ Farrugia made another key save to deny Neil Said.
99’ The St Lawrence keeper was again alert to block a long-range shot from Jurgen Attard.
104’ Felipe Augusto went closest for St Lawrence, his shot striking the post.
Second Half of Extra Time
109’ St Lawrence remained dangerous, with Felipe Augusto’s effort deflected for a corner.
110’ Another long-range attempt by Daniel Micallef flew over the crossbar.
118’ Substitute goalkeeper Zac Camilleri made a crucial save for Oratory, tipping Felipe Augusto’s shot around the post.
Penalty Shootout:
Oratory converted all five penalties, while St Lawrence missed their final attempt — sending the Youths through to the BOV GFA Cup quarter-finals.
Penalties:
St Lawrence S:
Felipe Augusto scored, Christian Grima scored, James Grima scored, Jake Saliba scored, Michael Xuereb (saved).
Oratory Y:
Aroldinho scored, Omar Xuereb scored, Geordie Ellis scored, Keith Farrugia scored, Ethan Refalo (scored)
FT a.e.t. (SLS 2 – OY 2)
Oratory win 5-3 on penalties
Referee: Anthony Paul Vella
Asst. Referees: Paul Apap, Paula Buttigieg
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