Zebbug Rovers 3
Nadur Youngsters 0

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Zebbug Rovers extended their rich vein of form, producing another convincing performance to defeat holders Nadur Youngsters in the Noel Vassallo Cup final.

Moving up a gear after their unexpected knock-out from the Independence Cup early in September, Zebbug have since embarked on an unbeaten run in cup competitions as well as the championship.

In the final, Zebbug recovered from a difficult start to notch two goals in the final seconds of the first half. Brazilian midfielder Quinhione Leandro was Zebbug's hero, setting up two goals and hitting the third. The Noel Vassallo Cup is their first major honour in three years.

Nadur tried their utmost to keep the trophy in their cabinet for another season but failed to get back into the match after falling two goals behind before the half-time break.

The Youngsters were the better side in the first part of the match but seldom did they trouble Rovers' goalkeeper Xuereb, except from free-kicks by Bonello.

Although forced on the back foot in the initial exchanges, Zebbug still managed to keep Nadur's rearguard on their toes, especially through John Eboh and Leandro.

In the 35th minute, Eboh concluded badly in front of an open goal after a fine move by Leandro, while Nadur's best scoring opportunity fell to Joe Portelli whose final effort after a darting run was saved for a corner by Xuereb.

Zebbug opened the scoring in the 44th minute. Cardona unmarked Leandro on the flank and his cross was headed by Eboh past Vella.

Nadur were stunned and during first-half stoppage time Zebbug doubled their lead.

Leandro was the provider again, this time serving Cardona who had his shot partially deflected by Nadur goalkeeper Vella. Reuben Galea collected the rebound and tapped the ball home.

Nadur tried to rally in the second half but their hopes were as good as over when Zebbug scored their third four minutes after the restart.

This time it was Leandro who started and concluded the move as he sped down the right flank before beating Vella with an angled shot.

Referee: Adrian Casha.

Easyline Div. One

Ghajnsielem 2
Victoria Hotspurs 1

This was an important match between two teams who have enjoyed contrasting fortunes so far.

Ghajnsielem needed a victory to maintain their positive start to the championship and move into the top positions while Victoria Hotspurs were hoping to get off the mark.

Victory went to the Blacks who reaped the rewards for their sprightly performance in the second half.

Play was balanced in the first period but the Hotspurs nosed ahead in the 33rd minute through Reuben Mercieca.

Ghajnsielem replied immediately and scored the equaliser three minutes later from a spectacular free-kick by Dominique Mbueko.

Victoria could have regained the lead seven minutes from half-time were it not for two fine saves by Ghajnsielem 'keeper Eric Mercieca from efforts by Borg and Xerri.

After the break, Ghajnsielem took the initiative but Victoria goalkeeper Vella foiled attempts by Errol Grima, Joe Attard and Brian Meilak.

The Blacks had to wait until the 86th minute to grab the winner, courtesy of Attard.

Referee: Anton Zammit.

Sprite Division Two

Xaghra United stretched their unbeaten sequence in Division Two with an important 2-0 victory over St Lawrence Spurs.

This was a direct clash between the early pace-setters and the manner of Xaghra's win confirmed their status as hot favourites for promotion.

The Saints tried hard to match their opponents, especially during the second period, but their cause was undermined by two red cards.

In the 18th minute, St Lawrence were reduced to ten players when Teddy Micallef was shown a second yellow card.

Xaghra took the lead in the 28th minute from a Chris Camilleri penalty. The Saints suffered another red card midway through the second half, Louis Galea getting two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.

Thirteen minutes from time, Xaghra made sure of the three points with a goal by John Camilleri.

BoV KO competition

Nadur Youngsters are the winners of the BoV KO competition for the U-16 category after beating SK Victoria Wanderers on penalties.

The score was tied at 1-1 at the end of regular time. Kevin Buttigieg had given Nadur the lead in the first half and Paul Sultana brought Victoria back on level terms after the break.

Nadur secured the cup after scoring five times from the 11-metre spot whereas Victoria only put away four penalties.