Top teams make it to QFs

The Preliminary Round of the GFA Cup did not produce any surprises, although the first four matches at the Sannat Ground were all very close.

Victoria Hotspurs, the current leaders in Division One, obtained a 2-0 victory over Xaghra United in a balanced tie which was decided with two goals scored by Ricardo Saverino during stoppage time.

Xaghra played the entire second half with a player less after Alex Ribic was sent off for two yellow cards in the 43rd minute.

Ghajnsielem were forced to sweat to eliminate Division Two side Xewkija Tigers who only surrendered after a penalty shoot-out.

The Blacks had a difficult start as Haruna Doda was sent off after only three minutes of play for a foul away from the action. However, they still managed to open a two-goal lead with goals from Tarik Belhaj (45th penalty) and Joe Attard (54th).

Xewkija produced a determined reaction and levelled the score with quick goals from Rodney Buttigieg (64th) and Christian Bugeja (66th).

In the shoot-out, Ghajnsielem scored five times to Xewkija's four.

Qala St Joseph also found it more difficult than expected to obtain qualification at the expense of Division Two colleagues St Lawrence Spurs. Qala's 2-0 victory matured with two Joe Xerri goals (15th, 34th).

The other match from the Preliminary Round was a contest between two other Division Two sides - Zebbug Rovers and Munxar Falcons.

Rovers won 3-2 after opening a three-goal lead with goals from Basil Chibueze (11th), Manuel Cordina (18th) and Alex Tramboo (37th).

Munxar reduced the arrears before half-time through Chris Debrincat and the same player re-opened the issue with a goal scored ten minutes after the break.

GFA Division Two

Xewkija Tigers 6
Gharb Rangers 0

Xewkija inflicted a heavy defeat on Gharb in a clash between two teams aiming to challenge for the top positions.

The Tigers took a comfortable three-goal lead following a quick Christian Bugeja hat-trick midway through the first half.

Gharb were down and out as Xewkija added three more goals after the break through Paul Rapa and substitute Mark Camilleri (2).

Referee: Mario Apap.

SK Victoria W. 5
Oratory Youths 1

SK Victoria Wanderers also registered a handsome victory over derby rivals Oratory Youths and now share second place in the standings with Xewkija Tigers on seven points.

Victoria opened the score from a penalty converted by Udo Monday in the 13th minute. Four minutes later Ajibade Adesina increased the score and Joseph Vella made it 3-0 on 39 minutes.

The Youths pulled one back from an Ishaku Umoru penalty but the Wanderers scored two more goals through Ige Adesina to make sure of the points.

Referee: Reno Refalo.

Munxar Falcons 0
Zebbug Rovers 0

Munxar Falcons earned an unlikely point following this goalless draw with the more quoted Zebbug Rovers.

The match was conditioned by strong winds which made it extremely difficult for the two sides to produce decent play.

Munxar could have scored a dramatic winner in the final stages but Zebbug's young goalkeeper Darren Pace made a series of fine saves to keep a clean sheet.

Referee: Joe Agius.