GFA Second Division League
Xewkija Tigers FC
5
 (J Azzopardi 3’; P Rapa 50’; C Bugeja 80’pen, 85’, 87’)
Oratory Youths FC
2
 (K Grech 39’; O Atzori 67’)
 
Formation:
1.
5.
19.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
20.
17.		  
Substitutes:
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
18.
11. 		 
Coach:
 
 
Formation:
12.
2.
3.
5.
6.
20.
7.
8.
9.
11.
10.		   Grima Kenny
Attard Robert
Portelli Joel
Grech Kevin
Grech Marvin (C)
Zammit George Louis
Zammit Andrew *
Orlando Stephen
Umoru Ishaku
Sacco Alex
Theuma Stephen **
Substitutes:

1.
16.
13.
18.
19.
 
 

Borg Daniel
Xuereb Charles
Atzori Orlando *
Adrian Farrugia **
Cini Francesco
Coach:
  Grech Dominic

Match Report:
 Xewkija Tigers kept close to leaders St Lawrence Spurs with a victory over Oratory Youths. The final score does not reflect the process of the match as Oratory Youths produced tough resistance and it was only in the last ten minutes that the Tigers made sure of the three points. The protagonist for Xewkija was striker Christain Bugeja who scored a decisive hat trick in the final ten minutes of the match. This was Bugeja’s second hat trick in the campaign.

The Tigers had an excellent start and opened the score in the 3rd minute through Joseph Azzopardi’s close ranged shot following a good move by debutant Luc. Xewkija could have doubled the score but an effort by Mark Camilleri ended just over the crossbar.

Oratory had a good reaction and went close to scoring through efforts by Ishaku Umoru in the 22nd minute and Alex Sacco on the half hour. Oratory were rewarded for their efforts and Kevin Grech scored the equaliser in the 39th minute with a fine header following a cross from the left by Andrew Zammit. Seconds from half time, Oratory’s goalie Kelly Grima saved with difficulty in corner a good shot by substitute Rodney Buttigieg.

In the initial stages of the second period Xewkija took command of play and regained the lead in the 50th minute through Paul Rapa’s close ranged shot following a cross by Joseph Cefai. However, the Youths were not demoralised and in the 67th minute substitute Orlando Atzori headed out of goalie John Xerri’s reach to make the score 2-2.

Play now became more balanced as the two sides were after the winner. Oratory went close to scoring through Ishaku Umoru while the Tigers were dangerous with efforts by Luc and Christain Bugeja.

The turning point of the match arrived in the 80th minute. Oratory’s Joel Portelli cleared off the line an effort by Joseph Azzopardi from a corner action, but the same defender handled the ball following Rodney Buttigieg’s shot from the rebound.

The referee awarded a penalty and Portelli was sent off. Christian Bugeja converted the penalty shot and put his side in the lead for the third time. The Youths were demoralised and the same Bugeja scored two more goals in the 85th and 87th minute to make sure of the victory for his side.

Match photos (courtesy of Mr Philip Cassar):














  
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