23 September 2026
GFA 2nd Division KO (Rd. 3) Gozo Stadium
Oratory Youths FC : 2
Nadur Youngsters FC : 0
30’ (1-0) Dalton Alexandre Roque Pereira
53’ (2-0) Dalton Alexandre Roque Pereira
58’ (penalty missed – saved) Neil Mifsud (NY)
Oratory Y:
P. Cremona, E. Refalo, E. Bugeja, L. Aexandrini Barcik (G. Dias Nascimento De Freitas 72), D. Hili, J. Pace (S. Attard 72), D. Azzopardi, E. Gauci (K. Farrugia 46), Jo. Borg (Ja. Borg 46), Ju. Attard, D.A. Roque Pereira (O. Xuereb 82).
Nadur Y:
Z. Vella, P.P. Camilleri, C. Debono (N. Attard 62), M. Mercieca, N. Mifsud, J.C. Marini, K. Xuereb, J. Buttigieg (C. Farrugia 46), P. Muscat (L. Buttigieg 46), K. Xuereb, K. Hili. (J. Attard 90).
Oratory Youths earned a deserved 2–0 victory over Nadur Youngsters in the most eagerly anticipated match of the opening phase of the Second Division Knock-Out competition. The result makes Oratory favourites to qualify for the final.
The encounter brought together two teams expected to be leading contenders in the Second Division championship. Oratory appeared to have strengthened their squad following a disappointing campaign last season, while Nadur are rebuilding with several players from their youth academy after suffering relegation. Oratory dictated play for much of the match and secured victory with a goal in each half.
Timeline
First Half
Oratory took control from the opening stages, putting the opposing defence under pressure. They eventually took the lead, leaving Nadur looking increasingly unsettled and struggling to mount a response.
10′ Nadur goalkeeper Zak Vella was alert to save a free-kick from Lucas Barcik.
12′ Oratory threatened again, but Dalton Pereira’s free-kick went wide.
19′ Vella was called into action once more, saving a shot from Lucas Barcik that was directed straight at him.
22′ Nadur’s best scoring opportunity of the first half came from a Neil Mifsud free-kick, but goalkeeper Paul Cremona was well positioned to save.
30′ (1–0) Oratory took the lead when Dalton Pereira collected a cross from the left, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net.
HT (1-0)
Second Half
Oratory maintained the initiative after the interval and doubled their advantage. They controlled the closing stages, denying their opponents a way back into the match, although Nadur had an opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot but failed to convert.
8′ (2–0) Dalton Pereira scored his second goal with an individual effort, beating the defence before finishing comfortably.
13′ — Penalty saved: Nadur had a chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty for handball by Eman Bugeja, but Neil Mifsud’s spot-kick was saved by the goalkeeper.
20′ — Post: Oratory went close to adding a third when Dalton Pereira’s effort struck the post with the goalkeeper beaten.
36′ — Goal disallowed: Oratory thought they had extended their lead when substitute Gean Dias broke clear of the defence and surprised the goalkeeper with a shot from outside the penalty area, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
FT (OY 2 – NY 0)
Referee: Joseph Scerri
Asst. Referees: Stefania Bonnici, Steve Baldacchino
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