The two GFA Division One matches last weekend produced entertaining fare and a total of 10 goals.
Xewkija Tigers returned to winning ways with a fine 4-0 win over Sannat Lions while Għajnsielem gained their first point after a 3-3 draw with SK Victoria Wanderers.
Xewkija’s win over Sannat was never in doubt. They went ahead after 19 minutes thanks to John Camilleri. Rodney Buttigieg doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time with a close-range header.
On the changeover, Sannat’s reaction was sterile while Xewkija posed danger every time they attacked. Buttigieg all but sealed Xewkija’s win with 14 minutes left and Mark Camilleri completed the scoring six minutes from time.
The match between Għajnsielem and SK Victoria Wanderers was keenly-contested with the result in the balance until the bitter end. The Blacks, who were still without a point before their encounter with SK, had the better start to lead 1-0 at half-time thanks to a goal by Charlon Tabone from a corner action in the 25th minute.
The Wanderers made a bold reaction after the break to turn the result in their favour with quick goals by Ajibade Adesina and Kenneth Mercieca inside the opening five minutes of the second half.
Għajnsielem were not demoralised though and levelled from the restart through Rivellino Petriaggi.
On 55 minutes, Petriaggi put the Blacks 3-2 up after a good move by Manuel Cordina.
The Citizens suffered a setback on the hour when skipper Joseph Refalo was sent off for a second caution. But, the Wanderers managed to save the game when, 19 minutes from time, Chris Sciortino made it 3-3 with a well-hit drive.
In the dying moments, both sides came close to scoring the winner but Għajnsielem’s Jason Portelli hesitated following a mishap by Victoria’s goalkeeper while a low strike by Sciortino ended wide.
On Wednesday, Nadur Youngsters and Xagħra United shared four goals in an exciting encounter.
Thiago Dos Santos put Xagħra in front after only five minutes. Xagħra were reduced to 10 men nine minutes from half-time when Mark Buhagiar was sent off for a second booking.
Nadur took advantage of their extra man as Milos Stojanovic equalised on the stroke of half-time but nine minutes from the end, Michael Bezzina restored Xagħra’s lead.
A stoppage-time goal from Joseph Grima salvaged a draw for Nadur who have now joined Xewkija Tigers at the top of the standings on 10 points.
Division Two
In Division Two, Qala Saints obtained their first points after a 2-1 win over Munxar Falcons.
Qala took a 2-0 lead with goals from Christian Portelli (10) and Derek Borg (25). Munxar hit back to reduce the deficit when Mario Azzopardi converted a penalty nine minutes from half-time.
Munxar continued to push for an equaliser until the end but Qala defended well and also threatened to increase their advantage with a number of counter-attacks by Paul Anthony Attard.
In the other match, St Lawrence Spurs recorded a deserved 2-0 win over Żebbuġ Rovers.
The Spurs were the better side throughout, scoring through Jonathan Micallef (27) and Mario Cutajar (54). Żebbuġ finished the match with ten men after Antoine Camilleri was shown the red card for dissent 12 minutes from time.