Title race hots up

Leaders Sannat Lions had the better of Victoria Hotspurs in a pulsating match at the Gozo Stadium to stay top of the standings last weekend but nearest pursuers Għajnsielem and Nadur Youngsters also won their matches to keep the pressure on the Greens.

Sannat edged the Hotspurs by the odd goal in five in the best match of the programme. The Lions were the better side in the opening stages, taking the lead on 15 minutes through a strike by John Camilleri.

Sannat Lions had other opportunities to increase their advantage before Chris Camilleri made it 2-0 just before half-time after collecting a perfect cross from John Camilleri.

But the Citizens, who had their regular goalkeeper missing, re-opened the issue soon after the restart when Oliver Farrugia was on the right spot to fire home following a Kalin Ganchev delivery inside the Lions’ box.

Sannat kept their composure but their hopes suffered a setback on 71 minutes when Eman Bugeja was sent off for a second booking.

The Hotspurs took only one minute to level matters, following an own goal by Mark Formosa. The scenario was looking complicated for Sannat but they battled on and regained the lead on 74 minutes thanks to a well-taken free-kick by Elton Vella.

Victoria Hotspurs pushed forward in numbers but Sannat held tight. They were unlucky not to add to their lead as attempts by Eric Nwankwo and John Camilleri were stopped by the woodwork.

Second-placed Għajnsielem played the second half with 10 men but still beat bottom-placed St Lawrence Spurs 2-1.

The Spurs, who had Jonathan Micallef, Daniel Micallef and Hugo Seco serving suspension, struggled to hold their own but just before half-time their cause was aided when Jason Portelli was sent off for Għajnsielem.

Despite this handicap, the Blacks still went in for the break 1-0 up thanks to a Mark Camilleri goal following a cross by Thiago dos Santos.

The Blacks dominated possession for most of the second half. After a Ferdinando Apap effort hit the bar, they went 2-0 ahead on 82 minutes through a header by Brazilian striker Dos Santos.

Matthew Francalanza pulled one back for St Lawrence two minutes from time but his goal came too late for the league strugglers.

In another match, Nadur turned defeat into a 2-1 victory against SK Victoria Wanderers.

The Wanderers produced their best football during the first period and were also unlucky when a low drive by Ige Adesina hit the post on nine minutes.

Nadur were also denied by the woodwork as Saviour Attard’s header smacked against the bar before Victoria forged ahead early in the second half, Ajibade Adesina scoring after a fast break.

Nadur equalised on 63 minutes through Milos Stojanovic and, in a frantic finale, they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Akande Williams on Anthony Portelli. However, Claudio Antunes fired wide from the spot.

The Youngsters still managed to clinch victory five minutes from time courtesy of Joseph Portelli.

Division Two

In Division Two, Oratory Youths handed long-time leaders Xagħra United their second successive defeat, the 0-1 upset throwing the promotion race wide open.

Xagħra dictated matters from the initial whistle but found George Vella, the Oratory keeper, in fine form as he pulled off a series of saves to deny Michael Bezzina, Errol Grima and Johann Attard.

Oratory scored the goal that mattered on 32 minutes when a Dione Lautier grounder had the better of the Blues’ keeper.

Lautier’s goal shook Xagħra who became very erratic in their finishing. Tension also set in and four minutes from the end, the two sides were reduced to 10 players as referee Joe Agius dismissed Sam Frank Bajada, of Xagħra, and Oratory’s Marvin Buttigieg.