Convincing win for Blacks

Xaghra United 1
Ghajnsielem 4

Ghajnsielem made it a double over Xaghra to cut the gap from Xewkija to one point, although the leaders have a game in hand.

The Blacks had two players making their debut for the team in this match - goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky and striker Eduardo Do Nascimento. Ghajnsielem are seriously challenging for the Division One championship, a title that has eluded them for the past 31 years.

This was a deserved victory for Ghajnsielem who resisted Xaghra's threat during the opening half and dominated after the break.

Xaghra saw more of the ball in the opening stages. However, it was Ghajnsielem who took the lead after 21 minutes. A Kalenga shot was half-cleared and in nipped Do Nascimento who scored with ease.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 for the Blacks, this time Do Nascimento released Bogdanovic who flicked over goalkeeper Zammit.

One would have expected Xaghra to crumble at this stage but they hit back bravely and were rewarded for their efforts when Joseph Sultana reduced the score after beating Dengaky with a low drive.

Bogdanovic hit the Xaghra woodwork just before the break and that action signalled the Blacks charge to regain superiority as Ghajnsielem made sure of the points with two goals after the restart.

David Carabott made it 3-1 after he was put through by Mbueko and Do Nascimento crowned a perfect day for him with a second goal from a corner.

Xaghra were rocked and Ghajnsielem could have added more goals to their tally but Do Nascimento concluded badly in front of goal on at least three separate occasions.

Referee: Mario Apap.

Victoria Hotspurs 1
Nadur Youngsters 1

This was a direct clash between two teams languishing in the bottom places of the standings and still without a win so far in the championship.

Both teams were involved in the transfer market bargaining and consolidated their squads with some notable signings.

The Hotspurs had ex-Malta goalkeeper Ernest Barry and Edmond Lufi, formerly of Mqabba, in their team while Joe Camilleri, another former Malta international, and Rashid Nagem (ex-Ghaxaq) made their debut for Nadur.

Victoria had an early Maczerob Okoro drive almost on the mark and Nadur replied with a Simoncic free-kick that ended high. The Citizens opened the score in the 25th minute with a fine Okoro shot that went in via the post.

Barry was then called into action to save an Anthony Portelli shot and in the 29th minute Nadur were unlucky to see a Camilleri header, from a corner, smacking against the bar.

Nadur held the initiative after the break but Victoria could have increased the score had Kim Said not fluffed an easy chance after pouncing on a loose ball inside the opponents' box.

Barry marked his debut with a spectacular save 20 minutes from time to hold out a header by Portelli but the former Sliema no.1 was beaten three minutes later when substitute Charlie Attard struck a perfect shot following a cross by Nkwanko.

Nadur almost snatched the points in a frantic finale which saw Camilleri going close from a free-kick.

Barry saved his side when blocking a Nagem shot as the Hotspurs completed the last few minutes with ten players after Justin Sacco was dismissed for protests.

Referee: Paul Apap.

Standings