3 February 2026
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 2nd Division (MD 9) Sannat Ground
Oratory Youths FC : 1
Zebbug Rovers FC : 4
16’ (0-1) Bernard Camilleri
27’ (1-1) Jamie Xerri
45+1’ (1-2) Bernard Camilleri
50’ (1-3) Ryan Curmi o.g.
72’ (1-4) Jake Sacco
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona, E. Refalo, R. Curmi, A. Da Silva Arruda (Aroldinho), K. Farrugia, J. Xerri (Z. Azzopardi 80), G. Ellis, C. Azzopardi (R. Portelli 52), D. Saliba (C. Saliba 61), C. Farrugia (C. Hili 80), N. Said.
Zebbug R:
F. Portelli, P. Spiteri, A. Abela (C. Xerri 84), B. Camilleri (K. Sciberras 70), N.J. Cini (N.J. Camilleri 84), J. Sacco, L. Portelli, N. Cassar, M. Vella (O. Mercieca 84), O. Saliba (J. Buttigieg 46), I. Belhadj.
Zebbug Rovers recorded a convincing 4–1 victory over Oratory Youths to recover from a difficult spell and, with these three points, extended their advantage over Oratory Youths and Munxar Falcons, who are both battling to avoid finishing bottom of the standings.
The match was evenly balanced throughout the first half, but Zebbug scored an important goal just before the interval to take a 2–1 lead. In the second half, Oratory, who were led for the first time by new coach Shaun Attard, pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but in doing so, they left gaps at the back and were punished by the opponents on the counter-attack. The Rovers, despite missing several regular players due to transfers and suspensions, made the most of the additional space in Oratory’s defence and scored twice after the break to secure a comfortable and deserved victory.
Timeline
First Half:
The opening half was largely played in midfield, as both defences managed to neutralise the opposing attacks for long periods. Zebbug took an early lead, but Oratory reacted well and drew level. Just when it seemed the teams would go into the break on equal terms, Zebbug struck again to regain the advantage.
16’ (0–1) Zebbug opened the scoring when Marcus Vella delivered a cross from the left, and Bernard Camilleri controlled well before beating the goalkeeper from close range.
27’ (1–1) Oratory equalised after Aroldinho kept the ball in play and sent in a low cross that split the defence, allowing Jamie Xerri to finish easily.
34’ Zebbug threatened again through a shot by Jake Sacco from a good position, but the ball went over the bar.
45+1’ (1–2) Zebbug regained the lead when Bernard Camilleri broke past the defence, entered the area and beat the goalkeeper with a shot towards the far post.
HT (1-2)
Second Half:
The match became more open after the break, with Oratory increasing their efforts to overturn the deficit, while Zebbug grew more dangerous on the counter-attack. The Rovers made better use of their scoring opportunities and effectively wrapped up the three points well before the final stages.
5’ (1–3) Zebbug extended their lead when Markus Vella crossed from the left, and Oratory centre-back Ryan Curmi inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.
8’ Oratory responded with a free kick by Aroldinho, which was saved by goalkeeper Francesco Portelli.
17’ Oratory missed a chance to reduce the deficit when Geordie Ellis entered the area but fired wide from a good position.
19’ Zebbug replied with a shot by Jake Sacco, which Oratory goalkeeper Paul Cremona turned out for a corner.
23’ The same goalkeeper was again called into action to save a free kick by Neil Cassar.
27’ (1–4) Zebbug all but sealed the win with their fourth goal, as Jake Sacco beat the defence with a fine individual move before finishing low towards the far post.
30’ Zebbug goalkeeper Francesco Portelli comfortably saved a shot from a tight angle by Aroldinho.
35’ Oratory had their final opportunity to reduce the scoreline, but a shot by Neil Said went wide.
FT (OY 1 – ZR 4)
Referee: Patrick Falzon
Asst. Referees: Thomas Poyritz, Pierre Miguel Azzopardi
0 Comments