Naxxar Lions 1
Falzon 42;
Qormi 1
Nilsson 23;
This encounter between relegation strugglers Naxxar Lions and Qormi was a tight affair that ended in a predictable draw.
The two sides battled admirably but the game was largely scrappy, very much in keeping with the contestants’ lowly positions in the standings.
Qormi will probably feel that they deserved more than just a point as, going forward, they carried more threat, especially when the likes of man-of-the-match Alex Nilsson, Carlo Monti and Terence Vella had the ball at their feet, but the Lions never yielded an inch to grind out a draw that keeps them two points clear of Qormi.
Combative midfielder David Fenech filled the void left by the suspended Mandinho for the Lions.
Qormi’s team showed one change from the 4-1 reverse to Tarxien with Ryan Micallef, a striker, starting ahead of Emerson Vella.
It was Qormi who shaded the early exchanges.
After eight minutes, Vella veered into the box but his cross-shot was easily blocked by Julian Azzopardi.
There was an inviting chance for Naxxar when Alessio Cassar appeared to deflect the ball to the steaming Sidoine but his shot was diverted away for a corner.
In their next attack, Qormi struck. Cassar played a prominent role as the Qormi captain charged forward on the right before releasing Nilsson who sidestepped Andrew Scicluna before hitting low past Azzopardi.
Ten minutes from half-time, Angus Buhagiar profited from a mistake in the Naxxar defence to dart into the box but his drive was repelled by Ousmane Sidibe.
The Lions came to life in the closing minutes of the first half.
A swift interchange involving Lattes, Debono and Sidoine ended with latter aiming a powerful shot that was beaten away by Vella. The loose ball fell to Falzon but his grounder flew across the face of goal.
It was not long before Naxxar equalised, Falzon scoring directly from a free-kick after his cross-shot seeped through a sea of players and past the surprised Vella.
Demba Toure, who rejoined Naxxar on the eve of the game, replaced Sidoine at the start of the second half.
After a quiet opening, Naxxar had good opportunity to put their noses in front as Fenech’s excellent through-ball fell invitingly to Falzon but the winger miscued his effort.
Qormi responded immediately, Micallef cutting in from the right before hitting a low shot that was fumbled by Azzopardi but the ball rolled past the post.
Monti managed to guide his shot past the diving Azzopardi midway into the second half but the ball hit the foot of a post.
Suddenly, Qormi found an extra gear. Azzopardi thwarted Nilsson when pawing away his effort.
Lattes broke Qormi’s rising dominance as he produced a delightful volley but his effort was high.
In stoppage time, Qormi’s Sidibe headed wide from Monti’s free-kick.
Naxxar Lions
J. Azzopardi-6, B. Rajovic-6, A. Scicluna-6.5, M. Gnenegbe-5 (75 D. Bonnici), O. Sidoine-5 (46 D. Toure-4), D. Falzon-6.5, J. Debono-5.5, I. Grech-6, D. Fenech-6, A. Buhagiar-5.5, E. Lattes-6.
Qormi
J.M. Vella-6.5, A. Cassar-6, O. Sidibe-6.5, N. Ojuola-6, B. Berntsson-5.5, R. Micallef-6.5 (70 E. Vella-5), C. Gauci-5.5, K. Magro-6.5, C. Monti-6.5, T. Vella-6.5 (83 J.C. Viera Peixoto), A. Nilsson-7.
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann.
Yellow cards: Gnenegbe; Monti; Falzon.
BOV player of the match: Alex Nilsson (Qormi).
Attendance: 794.