Xewkija Tigers forward Daniel Bogdanovic (left) darts past Keith Borg, of Oratory Youths. Photo: Philip CassarXewkija Tigers forward Daniel Bogdanovic (left) darts past Keith Borg, of Oratory Youths. Photo: Philip Cassar

Title challengers Nadur Youngsters and Xewkija Tigers ended matchday 11 of the GfA Division One on a high note after deserved wins over Kerċem Ajax and Oratory Youths respectively.

Both teams have anothermatch to play before their direct clash on february 7. Leaders Nadur beat Kerċem2-0 to maintain their three-point lead over second-placed Xewkija, themselves 4-2 winners over Oratory. Kerċem fielded a depleted side due to injuries to key players, including strikers Anderson Ribeiro and Andrew Mizzi. Nadur had their best scoring opportunities through attempts by Claudio Antunes, Milos Stojanovic and Ramon Dos Santos while Kerċem replied with a Petar Kyumyurdzhiev free-kick and shots at goal by Jean Paul Mizzi and Luke Meilak.

The Youngsters broke the deadlock just before half-time when Stojanovic hit home from Christian Debono’s cross. Nadur, in the driving seat after the break, sealed their victory with a second goal midway through the half. Joseph Vella fired home from a tight angle. Vella was unlucky late on when his effort was stopped by the post. Xewkija hit the ground running against Oratory. They missed two good opportunities through Chris Camilleri and Daniel Bogdanovic but, on 20 minutes, Dene Shields was on the right spot to head past the Oratory keeper from a Chris Camilleri corner.

Oratory were not demoralised though and levelled the scores soon after the restart thanks to Shaun Attard whose low effort had the better of the keeper. Attard blasted high from a good position soon after and the Tigers soon regained the lead with a Camilleri goal. Xewkija increased their advantage five minutes later.

They were awarded a penalty for a foul by the goalkeeper on Camilleri and Bogdanovic converted from the spot. Oratory hit back admirably, reopening the issue when Attard beat the Tigers keeper following a Thiago Dos Santos free-kick. Attard went close to levelling mattersminutes later but his shot was neutralised by keeper Adrian Parnis.

Xewkija made sure of the three points with a fourth goal thanks to the excellent Shields who headed in from a cross by Kenneth Mercieca.

Division Two

The two matches from the lower category of Gozitan football both ended in a 2-2 draw. In a direct clash between the top two teams in the standings, secondplaced Munxar surprised leaders Għajnsielem during the opening minutes as they took the lead through Orlando Atzori.

The Blacks fought back to turn the result in their favour following a Jason Portelli double (24 penalty, 73). But, Munxar were back on level terms on 87 minutes through substitute Paul Said whose inswinger from a corner deceived the Għajnsielem keeper. Żebbuġ Rovers looked to be heading towards three useful points when leading Xagħra United 2-0 with goals from Manuel Cordina (40) and Philip Cardona (47).

The Blues, however, were back in it when Aleandro Bezzina pulled one back on 59 minutes. Their hopes rose further when Żebbuġ were reduced to 10 players on 70 minutes following a red card toMatthion formosa. Xagħra’s efforts were rewarded with a last-gasp equaliser by captain Arthur farrugia.

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