The first Quarter Final of the G.F.A. Cup saw the top two teams in the First Division facing each other as a rehearsal of their next League commitment. Nadur Youngsters had the better this time around and had beaten Victoria Hotspurs for the second time this season. The ‘Whites’ were superior throughout the whole match and the ‘Reds’ only managed to score with a penalty in the dying minutes. Nadur controlled from the beginning, playing with confident style that gave Hotspurs no real opening. Once the Champions opened the score, there was no doubt where the victory was heading. Nadur’s hero was Joseph M. Portelli who had a fine match and scored the Youngsters 2 goals.

During the first half, play was mostly in midfield with neither team creating any real danger. J. Portelli had a close header that ended high for Hotspurs with Hili’s shot being deflected to safety for Nadur. A fine action between C. E. Nwankwo, C. Hili and C. Camilleri save the latter’s shot easily saved by the Hotspurs guardian. A. Portelli’s perfect cross was badly met by Nwankwo. Following a melee in the Reds area, J. Buttigieg was unfortunate to see his well taken first timer just missing the target. Hotspurs tried to create some danger with Saverino and Bassi well controlled by the Youngsters defense. A free kick by C. Camilleri was headed towards goal by J. M. Portelli, but went just over the bar. On the 44^th minute, the Youngsters went ahead. C. Camilleri’s long pass found Joseph M. Portelli with time and space to control and firing past the helpless Grima. There was no time for any Hotspurs reaction before referee Zammit’s whistle for half time.

Nadur came out with lot of composure for the second half and easily controlled whatever Hotspurs tried. Nadur went close to increase their lead early on through C. E. Nwankwo try following a corner action by C. Camilleri, with the rebound coming to A. Portelli, whose shot was well saved by Grima. This was the prelude for the second Youngsters goal as on the 57^th minute when C. E. Nwankwo found Joseph M. Portelli in the area and even though in a much angled position, managed to find the back of the net with a powerful shot. There was some kind of reaction by Hotspurs, mainly because now Nadur relaxed a bit. Xuereb had to do a fine save into a corner following a Bassi’s shot. A nice action by J. M. Portelli, C. E. Nwankwo was concluded incredibly wide by D. Odavic who found himself in a very good position. Nadur continued to dictate matters and Grima did well to deny Nwankwo and J. Buttigieg. A long range effort by R. Saverino finished just wide for the Reds. On the 89^th minute, Victoria Hotspurs managed to get their consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty following a hand by M. Secco. Jason Portelli sends Xuereb the wrong way. Nadur will now face Għajnsielem in the semi finals following the latter’s victory over Sannat Lions (2-0). This match will be played on the 1^st of May 2008.

Referee: Anton Zammit

Nadur Youngsters Formation: Jonathan Xuereb; Peter Buttigieg; Marcos Rogerio Secco; Jeffrey Meilak; Dejan Odovic; Josef Buttigieg (Saviour Attard); Charles Hili; Chris Camilleri; Anthony Portelli (Frank Paul Azzopardi); Chidi Eric Nwankwo (Shaun Muscat); Joseph M. Portelli.

Match Action... Nadur going Forward

Grima saving on Nwankwo

Marcos Rogerio Secco, Peter Buttigieg and Jeffrey Meilak

Hotspurs try well over

Charles Hili, Josef Buttigieg and Dejan Odavic

Nadur Dangerous through J. M. Portelli

Hotspurs Free Kick cleared

Nadur building another attack

Hotspurs under attack

Josef Buttigieg in action

Dejan Odavic and Jeffrey Meilak

Jeffrey Meilak, Marcos Rogerio Secco and Charles Hili

Another try by Hotspurs going wide

Jeffrey Meilak watching R. Saverino

Substitute Shaun Muscat

Saviour Attard coming on for Josef Buttigieg

Jonathan Xuereb beaten by the penalty

Substuitutes Saviour Attard and Frank Paul Azzopardi

Substuitutes Saviour Attard and Frank Paul Azzopardi in action