Zebbug land cup after penalty shoot-out

Zebbug Rovers 2
Nadur Youngsters 2

(Zebbug win 6-4 on penalties)

Zebbug Rovers are the winners of the Freedom Day Cup after defeating rivals Nadur Youngsters 6-4 on penalties.

This was Zebbug's second victory over Nadur in three days, and their fourth of the season. In December, the Rovers had also landed the Noel Vassallo Cup at the expense of the same opponents.

Wednesday's match was probably the most balanced of the four played so far and penalties were required to determine the winner as the score was locked on 2-2 at the end of normal time.

Nadur's fine performance was undermined by Panic's early injury and the 40th minute dismissal of Aaron Camilleri. Alex Simoncic's brilliant free-kick had given Nadur a 21st minute lead but their optimism was dented when Camilleri was sent off for a second booking.

The Rovers levelled the score in the 59th minute. Mahjoub Touali converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Cardona.

However, Nadur were back in front 19 minutes from time thanks to Chris Camilleri after Simoncic had made an excellent run on the left flank.

The same Camilleri missed a golden opportunity to make sure of victory minutes later when shooting high from a good position.

Relieved by this let-off, Zebbug managed to grab an equaliser thanks to a direct free-kick from Touali who sent the game into extra-time.

As no goals were scored in extra-time, the winner had to be decided via the penalty shoot-out.

It was Zebbug who lifted the trophy after netting four penalties through Mario Azzopardi, Joseph Cordina, John Eboh and Touali. Kevin Buttigieg and Simoncic were Nadur's only scorers from the penalty spot.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Division One

Zebbug Rovers 4
Nadur Youngsters 0

Last weekend, Zebbug Rovers had cruised to an emphatic 4-0 success over Nadur Youngsters in their top-of-the-table clash.

By virtue of this victory, Zebbug made amends for their slip-up against Sannat and ensured an excellent start for new coach Dominic Grech who replaced Tony Grech.

John Eboh put Zebbug in front after six minutes. Nadur staged a gritty reaction with Serbian Alex Simoncic threatening to equalise matters with attempts from outside the area.

For all Nadur's pressure, it was Zebbug who increased their lead. Joseph Cordina's excellent drive stunned Nadur goalkeeper Falzon a minute from half-time.

Two more goals from Mahjoub Touali added gloss to Zebbug's display. They have now moved two points clear of Nadur in the table.

Referee: Adrian Azzopardi.

Ghajnsielem 2
Xewkija Tigers 1

Ghajnsielem ended the second round on a high after a 2-1 victory over bottom side Xewkija Tigers.

Sabri Rais had given Xewkija hope when he opened the scoring on 16 minutes. Xewkija kept pushing forward but were unlucky when an attempt by Christian Bugeja came off the crossbar.

Ghajnsielem were the better side after the break, notching a 58th minute equaliser through Joseph Attard. Two minutes from time, Attard was on target once again to give his side three precious points in their struggle against relegation.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Kercem Ajax 0
Sannat Lions 0

This was another match involving two sides still roaming in perilous waters.

Entertaining fare was totally absent from this match as play was confined mainly to midfield. Kercem created their best opportunity in the sixth minute but Josef Bajada's drive hit the woodwork.

On the other hand, Sannat came close to a breakthrough eight minutes into the second half but Dione Lautier's header was cleared off the line by central defender Chris Debrincat.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Sannat Lions 1
Xewkija Tigers 0

After their goalless draw against Kercem, Sannat Lions' salvation hopes received a boost after they beat Xewkija Tigers 1-0 on Wednesday.

Mark Formosa was the toast of Sannat after he scored the winning goal midway through the second half.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Division Two

Xaghra United extended their unbeaten start to nine matches after another victory, this time at the expense of second-placed St Lawr-ence Spurs.

Daniel Attard hit Xaghra's winner from the penalty spot four minutes from half-time.