5 January 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 10) Gozo Stadium
Xaghra United FC : 5
SK Victoria Wanderers FC : 1
2’ (1-0) Johan Alberto Castano
3’ (2-0) Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo
14’ (3-0) Johan Alberto Castano
22’ (4-0) Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo
58’ (4-1) Matthias Cordina
60’ (5-1) Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo
Xaghra U:
L. Xuereb (A. Debono 81), M. Bezzina, J.A. Castano, S. Sultana, D. Andelovic, M. Mamo (J. Bajada 66), G. Debono, D. Sowatey, S.F. Bajada, J. Vella (C. Galea 61), J.Y. Suzuki Bicudo (C. Camilleri 81).
SK Victoria W:
O. Xuereb, W. Soares Da Silva, N. Camilleri, J.W. Meilak, V.F. Mihai, M. Cordina, I.H. Da Silva Costa, E. Zammit, N. Grech (A. Touarha 61), O. Fenech, L. Fenech.
Xaghra United broke free from a recent slump with a decisive 5-1 triumph over SK Victoria Wanderers. This victory, coupled with favourable results from previous matchdays, reignited Xaghra’s hopes of challenging for the top spot and contending for the season’s main title.
Both teams faced lineup challenges due to absences. SK Victoria Wanderers were without David Emmanuel Garb (suspension) and Aleksander Galliani Lazzarini (personal reasons). However, the Citizens introduced Weder Soares Da Silva, making his debut in Gozitan football. Xaghra United missed Lucas Farrugia and Fabian John Xuereb, both suspended.
Xaghra set the tone early, scoring twice within the first three minutes and extending their lead to 4-0 midway through the first half. The Wanderers, stunned by the early onslaught, struggled to respond meaningfully. Xaghra’s Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo shone brightly, netting a hat-trick to lead his team to a comfortable victory.
Timeline:
First Half
Xaghra United started strongly, taking full advantage of defensive lapses by Victoria Wanderers to build a commanding lead early on.
2’ (1-0) Xaghra took the lead when Johan Alberto Castano capitalised on a poor clearance by Victoria’s defence and lobbed the ball into an open net.
3’ (2-0) The Wanderers were shocked and conceded a second goal in less than a minute as Jack Vella set up Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo, who skilfully lobbed the ball into the far post.
8’ Victoria could have reduced the deficit but Neil Camilleri headed wide following a corner kick by Fernando Mihai.
12’ Bicudo intercepted the ball from Victoria’s defence and entered the area, but his shot went off target.
14’ (3-0) Xaghra continued to take advantage of open spaces in Victoria’s rearguard and scored the third goal when Damir Andelovic’s long pass found Johan Alberto Castano, who lobbed over the advancing goalkeeper.
22’ (4-0) Xaghra added another goal when Jack Vella released Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo on a counterattack, who beat his marker and lobbed in his second goal of the match.
25’ Victoria responded with a long-range shot by Fernando Mihai, easily saved by goalkeeper Lorjean Xuereb.
34’ Xaghra’s Andelovic attempted a shot from a distance, but it went over the bar.
HT (4-0)
Second Half:
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Xaghra maintaining control while Victoria’s attempts to reduce the deficit lacked effectiveness.
13’ (4-1) Victoria pulled one back as Matthias Cordina headed in a cross from Luke Fenech.
15’: Victoria protested for a penalty after a challenge by Xaghra’s Sam Frank Bajada on Da Silva Costa, but the referee dismissed their appeals.
15’ (5-1) Xaghra restored their four-goal advantage when Julian Yoiti Suzuki Bicudo pounced on a defensive lapse, scoring his third goal after his initial shot was partially saved.
27’ Another penalty appeal by Victoria was denied when Da Silva Costa went down after a challenge, with the referee awarding a free kick outside the box instead.
37’ (Crossbar) Victoria came close to scoring again when Fernando Mihai’s long-range shot hit the crossbar.
44’ Xaghra’s substitute goalkeeper Aiden Debono made a crucial save, deflecting a close-range shot by Da Silva Costa to a corner.
FT (XU 5 – SKVW 1)
Referee: Slobodan Petrovic
Asst. Referees: Jurgen Spiteri, Reuben Spiteri Delicata
Photo: Anthony Cassar
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