Naxxar Lions 2
Gilmar 53 pen; Jorge 69;
Żebbuġ Rangers 1
M. Bartolo 32;
Jesmond Zerafa punched the air in delight as Naxxar Lions came from behind to beat direct rivals Żebbuġ Rangers 2-1 and gain fresh hope of avoiding relegation for the second year running.
All the Naxxar players was basking in glory at the final whistle as Brazilian striker Gilmar took a photo to capture this landmark moment in the season as his team-mates left the pitch to the applause of their fans.
There was no doubt as to the legitimacy of Naxxar’s victory yesterday as a low-key first half for Zerafa’s troops was in no way a credible indicator of what was to come.
After the change of ends, Naxxar seized the moment as Gilmar and Jorge gathered courage to lead the way as they turned the result in their favour for a fine victory that lifted them away from the relegation zone.
Alfonso Greco’s cautious approach to the match was mirrored in his decision to keep Mauricio Britto and Luke Montebello among the substitutes at the expense of Carlo Monti and Lee Galea who were included in the starting XI. Pablo Doffo was preferred to Nigerian winger Frank Temile in the only change from the 2-1 defeat against Balzan.
The match was devoid of scoring opportunities in the opening 20 minutes as Naxxar’s attacking triumvirate of Jorge, Gilmar and Terence Vella failed to stretch their opponents beyond routine work.
Monti initially struggled to assert his usual influence in the final third of the pitch as Greco’s strategy had the Scottish player deployed in a lone makeshift striker’s role with Matias Muchardi and Rashid Yussuff probing behind.
But the Scottish midfielder suddenly came to life on the half hour when he masterminded his team’s opener.
Monti anticipated Andrew Scicluna to a Muchardi cross but his dipping header came off the upright. Matthew Bartolo was the fastest to react on the rebound and he planted the ball into the net.
Naxxar could have levelled things up just before half-time. In a goal-mouth melee inside the Żebbuġ area, the ball fell into the path of Albert Bruce but the Nigerian midfielder was blocked by the Rangers defence as he was about to shoot.
Naxxar seemed to step up a gear and Bruce ran to meet Doffo’s pass but he failed to test Bartolo.
The Lions drew level on 53 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Yessous Camilleri barged into Gilmar as the latter pounced on a short clearance.
Referee Fyodor Zammit immediately pointed to the spot and the Brazilian drilled the ball past Bartolo.
Żebbuġ had a golden opportunity to regain their lead on 65 minutes when Monti’s cross found Jacob Borg who, however, headed wide.
At last, the frequency of scoring opportunities picked up.
In their next foray, Naxxar took the lead thanks to Jorge who, having received a fine pass from Gilmar, sent a low drive past Bartolo and into the net.
As the match entered stoppage time, Żebbuġ would have equalised but for a top-drawer save from Julian Azzopardi who leapt into the air to palm away Monti’s free-kick.
From the ensuing corner, goalkeeper Manwel Bartolo joined his team-mates upfront but his attempt at goal was blocked by Ibok Edet as Naxxar held on for the victory.
Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-6.5, A. Scicluna-5.5, I. Edet-6, T. Vella-5.5 (86 R. Cassar), M. Del Negro-6, D. Falzon-5, Gilmar-6.5, P. Doffo-6, A. Buhagiar-6, Jorge-7.5, A. Bruce-7.
Żebbuġ Rangers
E. Bartolo-6, M. Muchardi-6, Y. Camilleri-5, R. Yussuff-5, T. Paris-6, J. Borg-6.5, C. Monti-6.5, D. Reano-6, M. Bartolo-6, L. Galea-6 (87 L. Montebello), P. Barbetti-5 (79 M. Britto).
Referee: Fyodor Zammit.
Yellow cards: Barbetti, Reano, Camilleri, Edet, Bruce, Paris.
BOV player of the match: Gilmar (Naxxar Lions).