Senglea fail to close in on leaders

Xghajra Tornadoes 1
Senglea Athletic 1

A fortuitous late Edon Bobolayefa goal yesterday stopped Senglea Athletic from closing the gap on Division One front-runners Balzan Youths and Msida St Joseph.

Against lowly Xghajra, the Cottonera side seemed heading for another win that would have put them four points adrift of leaders Balzan. However, Bobolayefa netted a lucky equaliser that forced Senglea to settle for a 1-1 draw. They are now six points adrift of the top but with a game in hand.

For Xghajra, on the other hand, it was a precious point in their battle for survival as they have now moved away from the bottom spot and are one point ahead of Gozo who have six points from eight outings.

Senglea enjoyed the upperhand in the opening 45 minutes with Xghajra operating mainly on the counter attack. After only two minutes Anthony Gera worked out Senglea's first chance but his conclusion was off target.

Five minutes later, Xghajra almost took the lead when Alistair Buhagiar ably controlled a long pass but was blocked by Elvin Attard as he tried to go round the Senglea goalkeeper.

In a hectic opening, Senglea were unlucky when a Stephen Said free-kick hit the upright. However, on 18 minutes Senglea deservedly forged ahead when from a Gera corner Dragomir Draganov headed past the helpless Ivan Cassar.

Soon after, goalkeeper Attard was on the right spot to deny Xghajra from a quick equaliser when Edwin Gauci's shot seemed destined for the back of the net.

In the 35th minute, Gera's long range effort whizzed past the post and a minute from the interval a Darren Grech cross was met by Draganov but the ball never reached home.

Xghajra played better after the break and came more into the picture. On 59 minutes Gauci freed his way inside the Senglea area but his shot seared over the bar.

Draganov could have doubled Senglea's lead but failed to connect to a Lawrence Attard (II) cross from a good position. On 62 minutes Senglea threatened again but a Stephen Said free-kick was saved by Cassar.

A Said corner-kick was then headed goalwards by Attard (II) but the ball went out and soon afterwards Draganov, face to face with Cassar, hit wide.

When Senglea were sensing victory, Xghajra drew level with practically the last goalmouth action of the match. It was in the 86th minute when Lawrence Attard (I) booted the ball away only for his clearance to hit Bobolayefa and the ball rolling agonisingly inside the Senglea net.

Xghajra: I. Cassar, C. Camilleri, M. Catania, E. Bobolayefa, J. Zammit, G. Mock, B. Gilford (R. Agius, N. Attard), P. Muscat, A. Buhagiar (K. Naudi), E. Gauci, L. Grima.

Senglea: E. Attard, L. Attard (I), S. Aquilina, D. Grech, S. Said, A. Gera (D. Aquilina), K. Tonna, J. Xerri, D. Draganov, L. Attard (II), A. Imbroll.

Referee: Chris Lautier.