Nadur mark title success with victory as Xagħra lose status

Nadur celebrated in style last weekend as they marked the 10th championship success with a 1-0 victory over Victoria Hotspurs. Xagħra were relegated to Division Two and Kerċem will have to figure in a play-off against Xewkija for a place in the top flight. Xagħra will be replaced by SK Victoria Wanderers, the Division Two champions.

Sannat striker Fernando de Andrade crowned an excellent season by scoring a hat-trick against Għajnsielem to finish top of the scorers' list with 24 goals, one ahead of Victoria's Ricardo Saverino.

Xewkija striker Christian Bugeja is the Division Two top scorer with 25 goals.

Nadur Youngsters 1
Victoria Hotspurs 0

Nadur Youngsters
J. Xuereb, J. Meilak, P. Buttigieg, C. Camilleri, A. Simoncic, D. Odovic (S. Attard), M. Secco, J. Buttigieg, E. Nkwankwo (S. Muscat), A. Portelli, J. Portelli.

Victoria Hotspurs
M. Grima, J.P. Grima, M. Vella, A. Briffa, D. Farrugia, N. Borg, J. Portelli, M. Buttigieg (J. Mizzi), A. Zammit, R. Grech, R. Saverino.

Referee Joe Attard.

Nadur took to this match with the league title already wrapped up the previous week but were looking to round up their league campaign with a victory over Victoria Hotspurs who were the other main contenders for the title.

The Nadur followers created a festive atmosphere at the Gozo Stadium even though tension crept inside the players during the match. At times, it became difficult for the referee to keep hold of the situation.

The Hotspurs, without striker Fabiano Bassi due to suspension, played more than an hour with a player less on the field following a red card to Jason Portelli who was booked for a second time.

The Hotspurs had their best scoring opportunity of the first half on 30 minutes through a free-kick by Ricardo Saverino. His shot was blocked with some difficulty by keeper Jonathan Xuereb. Nadur scored the goal that mattered in first half stoppage time. Skipper Anthony Portelli dribbled past the goalkeeper and from his centre, Joseph Portelli headed into an open goal from close distance.

On resumption, the Hotspurs went close to level the scores with a free-kick by Daniel Farrugia that ended inches wide. However, Nadur regain command of play and could have increased their lead on more than one occasion following shots at goal by Eric Nkwankwo, Dejan Odovic, Alex Simoncic and Chris Camilleri.

Victoria could have obtained a dramatic equaliser in the 88th minute but a free-kick by Saverino hit the crossbar.

After the final whistle Nadur were presented with the medals and trophies by GFA president Joe Cordina.

Sannat Lions 3
Għajnsielem 0

Referee Saviour Tanti.

There was little interest in this match apart from striker Fernando de Andrade scoring all goals for Sannat to finish on top of the scorers list in Division One.

Sannat were the better side from the early stages. De Andrade opened the score in the 24th minute with a header from a cross by Errol Grima. Ten minutes later the Brazilian made it 2-0 with a simple tap-in.

De Andrade sealed the issue with the third goal scored in the 79th minute following a solo effort.

Għajnsielem 3
Xagħra United 0

Referee Joe Agius.

Xagħra United suffered a heavy defeat on the last day of the championship to finish the season on a poor note. They had a very difficult season, particularly in the third round.

In the 41st minute, the Blacks were awarded a penalty for hands by Sam Frank Bajada and Dominic Okanu opened the score from the spot.

Xagħra were nowhere to be seen after the break as Għajnsielem made sure of the points with other goals from Jeremy Camilleri and John Camilleri.

Xagħra had Bajada sent off for a second caution five minutes from time.

Kerċem Ajax 0
Qala St Joseph 1

Referee Clayton Pisani.

Qala St Joseph obtained a close victory in their match against Kerċem and with the points won they made sure of maintaining their status.

Qala had a golden opportunity to open the score in the sixth minute. The referee awarded them a penalty for a foul on Manuel Cordina but Mario Mifsud's shot from the spot was saved by the Kerċem keeper.

Kerċem's hopes were dashed in the 73rd minute. Dione Lautier won a ball at the edge of the box before hitting home the winner. In the 88th minute Kerċem ended with ten players when Frankie Camilleri was sent off for a second yellow card.