Next Match
| Kercem Opens Title Race |
| Sunday, 10 February 2008 12:53 |
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Kercem Opens Title Race Kerċem Ajax -1- Nadur Youngsters -0- 10.02.08 Gozo Stadium
League leaders Nadur Youngsters registers their second defeat in a row, when they were surprised by bottom of the table, Kerċem Ajax. Nadur, coming from the heavy defeat against Hotspurs 2 weeks ago, came face to face against very determined opponents, while Kerċem, played their best match so far this season and obtained their first victory to move from bottom place on goal difference. Now the title race is wide open with all teams playing 10 matches.
Nadur tried to impose their play but the determination and aggressiveness of the players in green kept the Youngsters away from the danger area and even when the Kerċem’s defence was beater their was Mercieca in great form. Early on, Nadur had a shot by D. Odavic deflected to clear waters. Kerċem came close when a J. P. Mizzi’s shot nearly surprised the hesitant Xuereb. Xuereb had to be at his best to tip away for a corner. C. Camilleri tried his luck with a shot that was also deflected away. A header by A. Portelli ended high following a cross by C. Hili. J. M. Portelli saw Mercieca saving his nice try. The second half offered more excitement as Kercem had the first opportunity when J. P. Mizzi effort from the right was again saved by Xuereb. A nice run through by Simoncic ended with C. E. Nwankwo and J. M. Portelli failing to connect to his inviting cross. Simoncic then saw Mercieca affecting a superb save on his free kick. Another free kick by Simoncic was headed onto the bar by J. M. Portelli with C. Camilleri obliging Mercieca to make another fine save. With Nadur completely on the attack, Kerċem were operating with fast counter attack. On the hour, Kerċem’s E. Nkwocha fine run from the right with his low cross finding debutant Franklin Adelson, who had no difficulty finding the back of the net with a low shot. With Nadur clearly stumped, Kerċem, could have doubled when Adelson find the other debutant D. L. Fowler who’s shot was saved by Xuereb. Nadur tried to regroup, and A. Portelli’s header went over following a cross by C. Camilleri. Odavic’s try went wide and J. P. Mizzi’s good effort went over on the other end. A nice action by Simoncic, A. Portelli and C. Camilleri ended with Mercieca making another difficult save on the latter’s shot. As the minutes were tickling away, Nadur continued to press for the equaliser, but were confused in their actions. The final whistle was greeted gladly with the Kerċem’s clan and with tremendous disappointment by the Nadur side. Nadur failed to get the maximum points in their last 3 consecutive games.
Referee: George Portelli Nadur Youngsters Formation: Jonathan Xuereb; Saviour Attard (Jeffrey Meilak); Peter Buttigieg; Marcos Rogerio Secco; Aleksandar Simoncic; Dejan Odavic; Charles Hili; Chris Camilleri; Chidi Eric Nwankwo (Shaun Muscat); Anthony Portelli; Joseph M. Portelli.
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