14 December 2025
GFA BOV Gozo Football League 1st Division (MD 7) Gozo Stadium
Xaghra United FC : 3
Nadur Youngsters FC : 2
27’ (0-1) Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho)
32’ (0-2) Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho)
73’ (red card) Steve Sultana (XU)
75’ (1-2) Lucas Farrugia
83’ (2-2) penalty Junior Claudir Marini
90+2’ (3-2) Lucas Farrugia
Xaghra U:
M. Zammit, J. Bajada, S. Galea, L. Farrugia (J. Xuerreb 90+6), E. Xiberras, J. Xuereb, T. Agius (S. Sultana 46), M. Mamo, D. Sowatey, J.C. Marini (Claudir), Y. Abedi (Rodo), I. Salis.
Nadur Y:
Z. Vella, K. Xuereb, M. Scarpari, D.F. Rodriguez Angulo, J.Xerri (P.P. Camilleri 72), S. Xuereb, O.P. Bugeja, N. Mifsud, D. Vella, L.N. Gutierrez, J.P. Oliveira Santos (Pedrinho).
In the final match of the first round of the BOV Gozo Football League First Division, Xaghra United turned a deficit into a dramatic 3–2 victory over Nadur Youngsters, despite playing the closing stages with ten men. This result earned Xaghra their first points of the season and renewed their hopes of avoiding the bottom place in the standings.
This encounter was a direct clash between the two teams occupying the bottom two positions in the table, with both Xaghra and Nadur desperate for a win in order not to lose further ground on the teams above them. The match lived up to expectations, as each side dominated one half, and it was therefore no surprise that the contest was decided by a goal scored in stoppage time.
Nadur enjoyed the upper hand in the first half and, despite creating few clear-cut chances, went into the break with a deserved two-goal lead thanks to two individual efforts by Pedrinho. Xaghra were not demoralised and produced a strong reaction in the second half, even after being reduced to ten men. Nadur appeared somewhat overconfident with a two-goal advantage and an extra player, and they paid the price as Xaghra not only recovered the deficit but went on to win the match with a late goal, leaving Nadur with no time to respond.
Timeline
First Half:
Nadur controlled much of the play during the opening half, forcing Xagħra to defend deep and making it difficult for them to create dangerous chances. Nadur capitalised on two opportunities to take a comfortable lead at half-time.
25’ Nadur produced their first serious attempt when Diego Rodriguez fired a low shot, but goalkeeper Mattia Zammit reacted well to save.
27’ (0–1) Nadur opened the scoring when Pedrinho made a personal run into the area and surprised the goalkeeper with a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
32’ (0–2) Nadur doubled their lead through a direct free-kick by Pedrinho, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
HT (0–2)
Second Half:
Xaghra emerged more aggressive after the break in an attempt to reduce the deficit, while Nadur remained solid at the back and dangerous on the counter. Xaghra managed to get back into the match despite being a man down, making the encounter increasingly intense until the final whistle.
5’ Nadur threatened again when Joseph Xerri won possession from the defence, but his shot from a good position was blocked.
8’ Nadur were again dangerous as Pedrinho’s shot was partially saved by Mattia Zammit, with Diego Rodriguez and Joseph Xerri failing to convert the rebound.
9’ (Post) Xaghra responded with a shot by Claudir after a solo effort, which struck the upright.
14’ Xaghra continued to press, with Rodi forcing a corner after a well-struck effort was deflected by the defence.
19’ Xaghra goalkeeper Mattia Zammit was again called into action, saving a powerful shot by Pedrinho and conceding a corner.
25’ Nadur went close to extending their lead, but Diego Rodriguez was denied twice by excellent saves from Zammit.
28’ (Red card) Xaghra were reduced to ten men when substitute Steve Sultana was sent off after receiving a second booking for a foul just outside the penalty area.
30’ (1–2) Xaghra pulled a goal back when Lucas Farrugia met a cross by Ibrahim Salis, anticipating the goalkeeper and finishing from close range.
37’ (2–2) penalty Xaghra equalised from the penalty spot after Luciano Gutierrez fouled Ibrahim Salis, with Claudir converting from eleven metres.
44’ (protests for penalty) Xaghra appealed for another penalty after claiming handball when Ibrahim Salis’ header was blocked following a cross from Lucas Farrugia.
45+2’ (3–2) Xaghra completed a dramatic turnaround when Lucas Farrugia broke clear on the counter-attack, rounded the advancing goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net to seal the victory.
FT (XU 3 – NY 2)
Referee: Reuben Spiteri Delicata
Asst. Referees: Darko Stankovic, Slawomir Olucha
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