31 January 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 9) Kercem Stadium
St Lawrence Spurs FC : 2
Sannat Lions FC : 2
29’ (0-1) Tristan Grech
67’ (1-1) Charlon Farrugia
73’ (2-1) Joel Xuereb
90+4’ (2-2) Kieran Calleja
St. Lawrence S:
J. Micallef, K. Borg, C. Grima, J. Xuereb (D. Portelli 90+2), F.A. De Oliviera, G. Debrincat, C. Farrugia, D. Azzopardi, D. Atzori (J.M. Portelli 49), J. Saliba, J. Attard.
Sannat L:
K. Attard, J. Axiak, D. Galea, C. Gauci, P. Said (K. Calleja 50), S.F. Bajada, T. Grech (N. Grima 75), A. Azzopardi (E. Bennici 75), J. Vella (J.W. Meilak 64), C. Buttigieg, I. Nedeljkovic.
In the most anticipated match of the weekend from the Second Division championship, St Lawrence Spurs and Sannat Lions shared the points after a dramatic 2–2 draw. With this result, St Lawrence remained in first place, three points ahead of Sannat, who, however have a game in hand.
The match was played in difficult conditions due to strong winds, which made it hard for both teams to express their best football and resulted in relatively few clear-cut scoring chances at either end. Sannat went into the break with a one-goal advantage, but St Lawrence turned the result in their favour during the second half. Just when it seemed that St Lawrence would claim victory from this direct encounter, Sannat salvaged a point with a goal scored in added time. Overall, the final outcome was a fair one, as it rewarded the efforts of both teams, who were clearly seeking all three points.
Timeline
First Half:
Sannat started the match with the wind in their favour, but they were unable to make full use of the conditions. Despite enjoying territorial superiority, they managed to score only once, allowing St Lawrence to remain very much in the contest.
29’ (0–1) Sannat took the lead from a corner delivered by Aaron Azzopardi towards the near post. The defence appeared hesitant and, in the ensuing scramble, Tristan Grech took advantage to score from close range.
36’ St Lawrence had a chance to equalise when a close-range effort by Gabriel Debrincat was saved for a corner by goalkeeper Kyle Attard. From the resulting corner, Debrincat again headed wide.
HT (0-1)
Second Half:
The game became more lively after the restart, with action at both ends. Both St Lawrence and Sannat Lions had spells during which they could have opened a two-goal advantage. Ultimately, St Lawrence left the pitch the more disappointed side, having been just seconds away from victory.
8’ Sannat missed an opportunity to double their lead when Igor Nedeljkovic received the ball inside the area, but his close-range shot was blocked by goalkeeper Joel Micallef.
18’ (Post) St Lawrence responded with a free kick by Felipe Augusto that struck the post. From the rebound, Daniel Azzopardi’s header was partially saved by Kyle Attard, and Jake Saliba fired wide from a good position.
22’ (1–1) St Lawrence equalised after Sannat failed to clear their lines, allowing Charlon Farrugia to collect the ball and beat the goalkeeper with a half-volley.
28’ (2–1) The Spurs turned the match around when Felipe Augusto headed the ball into the area and Joel Xuereb finished from close range.
30’ St Lawrence could have extended their lead when Felipe Augusto broke clear from midfield, but his lob over the advancing goalkeeper sailed over the bar.
44’ Sannat threatened again when Igor Nedeljkovic headed the ball into the area, but substitute Nicholas Grima’s header was weak and comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
45+2’ Sannat went close to equalising once more when a well-placed header by Nicholas Grima from a corner went wide.
45+4’ (2–2) Sannat finally found the equaliser when, following a corner, the defence failed to clear and substitute Kieran Calleja was left unmarked at the far post to tap the ball into the net.
FT (SLS 2 – SL 2)
Referee: Steve Baldacchino
Asst. Referees: Patrick Falzon, Paula Buttigieg
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