NAXXAR LIONS-0, ST ANDREW'S-1

St Andrew's obtained their first win in the BOV Premier League after beating fellow relegation strugglers Naxxar Lions this evening.

Salomon Wisdom's early goal was enough for the Saints to overcome the Lions' challenge and end a 20-match run without a victory.

St Andrew's opened the scoring after 13 minutes. Manuel Beltre drifted infield from the right before passing to Matteo Desira Buttigieg who promptly released Salomon Wisdom inside the box. The Nigerian striker drilled the ball home from close in.

The Lions made an instant reaction. Edu Vallecillo made headway in the box but his diagonal shot was blocked by Frances Onwudinjo, the St Andrew's defender.

Chances were scarce but just before half-time St Andrew's came close to doubling their lead. From a counter-attack, Jonatan Perez Cuesta raced into the box from the left but his drive was saved by Julian Azzopardi with the aid of the post.

Jake Galea, the St Andrew's goalkeeper, beat away a dangerous Godar free-kick early in the second half.

At the other end, Beltre's powerful run took him into the box but his effort was deflected away for a corner.

Midway into the second half, Scicluna headed over from Godar's cross.

St Andrew's should have killed the game when Lucky Oseghale's floated pass freed Wisdom but the latter's half-volley brought a fine save from Azzopardi.

Naxxar's hopes suffered a further blow when Ryan Grech was sent off for a poor challenge on Eloy Nkene.

St Andrew's playmaker Cuestra was named BOV player of the match.

 

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