29 November 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 5) Kercem Stadium
Oratory Youths FC: 5
Sannat Lions FC : 3
11’ (1-0) Charlton Saliba
16’ (2-0) penalty Aroldo Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho)
30’ (3-0) Neil Said
45’ (red card) Neil Said (OY)
47’ (3-1) Tristan Grech
54’ (3-2) Paul Said
75’ (4-2) Jamie Xerri
87’ (4-3) Igor Nedeljkovic
90+4’ (5-3) Aroldo Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho)
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona, R. Portelli, E. Refalo, C. Saliba, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J. Xerri , G. Ellis, C. Azzopardi, N. Said, J. Attard.
Sannat L:
K. Attard, J. Axiak, D. Galea, C. Gauci, N. Grima, P. Said, S.F. Bajada (E. Bennici 46) T. Grech, A. Azzopardi, C. Buttigieg, I. Nedeljkovic.
In the opening match of the final Match-Day of the first round of the BOV Gozo Football League Second Division, Oratory Youths caused a major upset by defeating promotion favourites Sannat Lions 5–3. With this unexpected victory, Oratory registered their first win of the campaign and moved off the bottom of the standings, while Sannat suffered their first defeat and could lose top spot at the end of the first round.
Oratory’s victory was built during the first half-hour of the match, when they scored three unanswered goals. Sannat appeared unsettled and overconfident during this phase, but responded towards the end of the first half as Oratory came under pressure and was reduced to ten men just before the interval. In the second half, Oratory remained disciplined in defence, and although Sannat reduced the deficit, they held on to their lead until the final whistle.
Photo: Anthony Cassar
Timeline
First Half
Oratory entered the match with the clear intention of protecting their goal and made it difficult for Sannat to gain control. They were a constant threat on the counter-attack and built a three-goal advantage which they maintained until half-time, despite Sannat’s late response.
11’ (1–0) The Sannat goalkeeper Kyle Attard parried a shot by Aroldinho, but Charlton Saliba reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
15’ (2–0) Oratory doubled the lead after being awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Kyle Attard fouled Aroldinho. The Brazilian forward converted from the spot.
23’ Sannat responded with a low drive by Cyriel Buttigieg, which was saved for a corner by Oratory keeper Paul Cremona.
30’ (3–0) Oratory’s Richard Portelli crossed into the area for the unmarked Neil Said, who finished from close range.
40’ Oratory’s goalie Paul Cremona produced a fine save to deny Nicholas Grima.
41’ The same goalkeeper saved again from a direct corner by Paul Said.
42’ A cross-shot by David Galea went just wide for Sannat.
45’ (Red card) Oratory were reduced to ten men when Neil Said was sent off after receiving a second yellow card following a foul on Paul Said.
HT (3–0)
Second Half
Sannat took advantage of the numerical advantage and pressed forward in search of goals, but Oratory remained disciplined and dangerous on the break.
2’ (3–1) From a corner for Sannat, Carl Gauci flicked the ball on, and Tristan Grech finished inside the area.
9’ (3–2) Sannat closed the gap further as Paul Said scored from a corner after the Oratory keeper had saved his initial effort.
12’ (Disallowed goal) Igor Nedeljkovic thought he had equalised, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
18’ (Post) Igor Nedeljkovic saw his rebound effort blocked, while Paul Said struck the post.
22’ (Disallowed goal) Another effort by Igor Nedeljkovic was again ruled out for offside.
29’ (4–2) Oratory struck on the counter-attack as Jamie Xerri lobbed the keeper from an angled position after noticing him off his line.
42’ (4–3) Sannat scored again when Igor Nedeljkovic finished into an empty net after a cross from the left was not properly cleared.
44’ Sannat missed a golden chance to equalise when Igor Nedeljkovic failed to connect from close range after a low cross.
45+4’ (5–3) Oratory sealed the win when Aroldinho beat his man and finished neatly from inside the box.
FT (OY 5 – SL 3)
Referee: Patrick Falzon
Asst. Referees: Thomas Poyntz, Kyle Cilia
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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