Emphatic victories for Nadur and Kercem

Nadur Youngsters and Kercem Ajax obtained convincing victories over Victoria Hotspurs and Ghajnsielem respectively.

These matches from the Easyline League were the first to be held after a disagreement between the Gozo FA and the Malta FA over a decision by the GFA Appeals' Board to reduce Todor Raykov's touchline ban, was resolved last week.

Kercem Ajax 3
Ghajnsielem 1

Kercem Ajax are breathing more easily after their win over Ghajnsielem moved them further away from the red zone.

It was a deserved victory for Kercem who grabbed the lead as early as the 13th minute when Christian Sylvester guided the ball in goal after receiving a pass by Joseph Grech.

The Blacks staged a good reaction to get back on level terms 10 minutes from half-time courtesy of Brian Meilak.

Play continued to be quite balanced after the half-time interval but as the game gathered pace, it was Kercem who assumed control of proceedings.

Their renewed efforts enabled the Ajax to move ahead in the 62nd minute through Dragomir Draganov who concluded home following a corner-kick action.

Elton Vella made sure of the three points in the 78th minute with a fine drive following a cross from the flank by Alvin Grech.

Referee: George Portelli.

Victoria Hotspurs 2
Nadur Youngsters 4

Champions Nadur Youngsters produced one of their best performances of the season in their 4-2 victory over bottom-placed Victoria Hotspurs.

Nadur endured a difficult start as Victoria seemed in form to offer a hard time to the champions. Victoria forged ahead in the 14th minute. They were awarded a penalty for a foul on Bongailas and Victor Egere duly converted from the spot.

From then on, Nadur pushed forward with more conviction, producing a series of scoring opportunities through Mark Marlow, Anthony Portelli and Alex Simoncic.

Five minutes from half-time, Nadur also won a penalty after Anthony Portelli was felled inside the box. Marlow made it 1-1.

A second penalty followed for Nadur two minutes later for a handsball infringement by Michael Vella and Marlow planted the ball past the opposing goalkeeper.

Nadur's supremacy procured a third goal on the stroke of half-time, Mark Buttigieg scoring with a fine header following a cross by Camilleri.

After the break, Nadur continued to dictate matters and increased their lead in the 73rd minute with a spectacular goal by Chris Camilleri who hammered a rasping shot in the top corner of Victoria's goal.

Eleven minutes from the end of normal time, Victoria reduced the arrears through substitute Jesmond Xerri who concluded a cross by Kim Said.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

GFA Division Two

St Lawrence Spurs cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over neighbours Gharb Rangers to join Xaghra United at the top of the table.

For this match, Gharb had to rely on some veteran players who did their best to give a hard time to the Spurs, keeping the score 0-0 until the second minute of the second half.

Charles Mercieca broke the deadlock in the 47th minute and Matthew Francalanza increased the Spurs' lead in the 67th minute. Charles Mercieca made the score 3-0 in the 76th minute.