The first round of the GFA Division One came to an end last weekend with the top-of-the-table clash between champions Nadur Youngsters and fellow title hopefuls Xewkija Tigers.
The game, which finished one-all, drew a large crowd to the Gozo Stadium.
Nadur were without injured captain Anthony Portelli and also lost striker Jonathan Soares who limped out injured just before half-time.
Xewkija gave a debut to their latest signing, former Malta and Valletta captain Gilbert Agius who set up the team’s opening goal.
Down to 10 men after Frankie Camilleri was sent off for two cautions, Nadur produced a determined reaction to grab a stoppage-time equaliser that left them four points clear of Xewkija.
The Tigers threatened after 21 minutes when Dene Shields outmuscled Adrian Pulis but his shot came off the post.
The Scottish striker redeemed himself two minutes later when he fired home after being sent clear by Agius.
Nadur tried to hit back. They came close to an equaliser when Alex Simoncic’s shot was saved by Xewkija goalkeeper Adrian Parnis.
Xewkija should have doubled their lead three minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Camilleri tripped Rodney Buttigieg in the area.
Shields’s strike from the spot hit the post.
Minutes later, Agius was dangerous with a first-time effort which ended just wide.
On 73 minutes, Nadur were reduced to 10 men after Camilleri was given his marching orders.
Nadur were not demoralised, though, and pushed more men forward in the closing stages. Their efforts were rewarded six minutes into stoppage time when Charles Mercieca scored a dramatic equaliser.
SK Victoria Wanderers profited from the draw between Nadur and Xewkija as they trounced Munxar Falcons 6-1 to go second in the standings, level on points with Xewkija.
The Wanderers were off to a flier and Joseph Vella put them ahead after two minutes.
Munxar drew level on 22 minutes with a low drive by Darren Farrugia.
Four minutes from half-time, the Wanderers regained the lead with a low shot by Peter Anizoba.
The Citizens dominated after the break, netting four times through Ejofor Nkwocha (49, 71), Anizoba (67) and substitute Joel Xuereb (78).
Two minutes from time, Munxar’s Paul Anthony Attard was dismissed for a foul on Ajibade Adesina.
Victoria Hotspurs consolidated their top-four position with a 2-0 win over Oratory Youths.
The Spurs had a Sunday Nanapere goal disallowed for offside while, at the other end, Shaun Attard’s effort came off the Victoria post.
The Hotspurs improved after the break and claimed the points following goals by David Camilleri (49) and Michael Bezzina (67).
Kerċem returned to winning ways after trouncing Xagħra United 4-0. The Ajax struck three times in the first half through Keith Bonello (10), John Camilleri (17) and Jean Paul Mizzi (36).
Xagħra’s best scoring opportunity arrived through a free-kick by Sunday Baala that was deflected onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Leonard Camilleri.
On 67 minutes, Kerċem were awarded a penalty for a foul by Joseph Bartolo on John Camilleri but Joseph Chetcuti’s weak shot from the spot was saved by Daniel Galea.
Kerċem rounded the scoring when John Camilleri scored their fourth goal 19 minutes from time.
Division Two
Għajnsielem moved top of the second division after beating fellow promotion candidates Qala Saints 5-4 in a thriller.
The Maroons took a two-goal lead during the first period through Alan Cini (12) and Michael Mumford (18).
Għajnsielem came out more aggressive after the break and levelled the scores with goals from Matthew Portelli (53) and Damon Hili (57).
Qala regained the lead through Cini (65) but the Blacks refused to give in, turning the result in their favour courtesy of Matthew Portelli (79) and Charlon Tabone (81).
The goal bonanza continued as Frank Attard equalised for the Saints seven minutes from time.
The match looked headed for a draw but the Blacks struck the winner in the first minute of stoppage time through Tabone.
Sannat Lions were 3-1 winners over Għarb Rangers to go second in the table.
Sannat, who had Josiah Buttigieg sent off on 57 minutes, were the better side, establishing a three-goal lead with a hat-trick from Fernando de Andrade (36, 64, 66).
Sam Harland scored Għarb’s consolation goal in the dying minutes.