Sannat back to winning ways

The opening match from the third round of the GFA Division One saw leaders Sannat Lions return to winning ways as they overcame Xewkija Tigers 2-0.

Both teams were after the points from this encounter for different reasons but in the end Sannat’s superiority told. Their efforts produced two goals, one in each half.

Xewkija were dangerous in the early stages and a free-kick by Kiril Dyakov hit the Sannat crossbar. However, the Greens soon started to impose themselves on the game and duly opened the scoring on 25 minutes with a John Camilleri header.

After going close through attempts by Eric Nwankwo, the Lions doubled their lead on 53 minutes thanks to a powerful Chris Camilleri shot from the distance.

The game looked as good as over but Xewkija received a boost when, 15 minutes from time, Sannat were reduced to 10 men after Peter Buttigieg was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Xewkija tried to make a reaction but failed to penetrate the Lions’ defence, although they went close twice with attempts at goal by Dyakov and Joseph Cefai.

In Division Two, leaders Xagħra United suffered a surprise defeat to lowly Għarb Rangers in the opening match from the third round of the championship.

Xagħra held possession for most of the match but looked overconfident, particularly during the first period. Rangers grew in confidence and scored the goal that mattered on 52 minutes through a header by Charlon Grima.

Xagħra lost their composure and the nearest they came to scoring an equaliser was in stoppage time but Michael Bezzina hit badly with an open goal at his mercy.

Kerċem Ajax profited from Xagħra’s slip-up to close the gap on the leaders to six points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Munxar.

Substitute Leonard Camilleri put Kerċem ahead a minute before half-time and the Ajax made sure of the points with two more goals after the break.

Karol Mifsud made it 2-0 on 52 minutes and late on Falcons defender Robert Hili committed an own goal in an attempt to clear the danger.

Played yesterday: Żebbuġ Rovers 1 (N. Micallef 83) Qala Saints 0.