Youngsters back in title race

GFA Division One leaders Victoria Hotspurs suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Xewkija Tigers as the third and final round of the championship got underway last weekend.

Nadur Youngsters chalked up three precious points from their encounter against Kerċem Ajax to close the gap with the Hotspurs and join second-placed Għajnsielem in a three-way race for the title.

Xewkija had the best scoring opportunity of the first half when a lob by Christian Bugeja was cleared off the line by Hotspurs keeper Mark Grima.

The Hotspurs had an excellent start after the break and opened the score on 50 minutes thanks to a Jason Portelli goal. However, Xewkija staged a strong reaction and levelled the score four minutes later when Christian Bugeja headed home from close in.

Xewkija kept the initiative and turned the result in their favour on 57 minutes when Basil Chibueze scored from a penalty after he was tripped inside the Hotspurs' box.

Victoria recovered from the shock but their finishing was erratic. The Citizens were also unlucky not to score an equaliser but Portelli's shot hit the post.

Three minutes from time Victoria also had Alex Tramboo sent off for a second bookable offence.

Nadur profited from Victoria's slip-up, the second in succession, by trouncing relegation-troubled Kerċem 6-1.

The Ajax opened the score after seven minutes through Chidi Achokwu but Nadur drew level on 18 minutes, following a fine strike by Claudio Antunes, and forged 3-1 ahead with a Josef Buttigieg brace before half-time.

Skipper Anthony Portelli increased the score on 62 minutes but the Youngsters suffered a partial setback on 75 minutes when substitute Peter Buttigieg was red carded for a foul on Jonathan Merceica.

Despite the numerical handicap, Nadur still managed to add two more goals to their tally through De Souza and Saviour Attard.