CHAMPIONS with a STAR Performance

Champions Nadur Youngsters secured their title with a brilliant performance against Sannat Lions. Knowing that a victory will reduce their last match against Victoria Hotspurs into a sheer formality, the Whites dominated the match and the result was never in doubt from the time they scored their first goal. Encouraged by a sizable crowd, Nadur showed superiority throughout the match and have now joint Victoria Hotspurs with 10 Championship victories. This was a great success for Mario Bonello during his first season as Coach. Mario was assisted by Salvu Rapa.

The first danger of the match came from the Lions side early on as a shot by K. Mercieca was cleared off the line by J. Buttigieg. Nadur’s first attack saw A. Portelli hitting high from a favourable position. J. Xuereb did well to keep Sannat at bay, when he tipped over the bar a free kick by C. de Oliviera. Youngsters Captain, A. Portelli again shot high following a solo action. Sannat’s custodian, D. Bajada had to perform a good save from a C. E. Nwankwo’s header following a corner kick by A. Simoncic. Soon after Nwankwo again was denied by Bajada, this time his dangerous shot was blocked. Simoncic’s weak shot created no danger to Bajada, but on the 20^th minute a free kick by the same Simoncic was deflected into a corner by A. Debono. Nadur kept insisting and C. Camilleri’s try from outside the area ended inches over the cross bar. Simoncic should have done better following a perfect cross by A. Portelli from the right but he shot directly into Bajada. Another cross by the Youngsters Captain was headed wide by Nwankwo. Nadur were giving Sannat no breathing space and it came to no surprise that they opened the score on the 29^th minute. A corner kick by Simoncic was superbly headed in by Chidi Eric Nwankwo (his 50th goal for the club). Ones in the lead, the Whites were relieved but kept insisting and D. Bajada made a great save on a tremendous shot by J. M. Portelli. On a rare attack by the Greens, K. Mercieca shot wide from a very favourable position, and Xuereb turned a shot by de Andrade into a corner. Nadur had another chance when J. Meilak headed over a free kick by C. Camilleri. Then half time whistle came after 2 minutes of added time and was greeted with satisfaction by the Youngsters clan.

The first danger of the second half came again from Sannat. This time C. de Oliviera was unlucky to see his finely taken free kick stopped by the cross bar. There was no stopping the Youngsters and J. M. Portelli’s solo action ended with Bajada saving well into a corner. Simoncic’s corner was headed onto the crossbar by A. Portelli. Nadur’s second goal came on the 62^nd minute. A cross by Simoncic was met by Nwankwo, Bajada did well to save without holding the ball and Nadur Youngsters all time top scorer, Anthony Portelli, had no difficulty hitting his 85^th goal for Nadur. Nadur reduced a bit the pressure and Sannat had a soft header by P. Spiteri save without much difficulty by Xuereb. An action between K. Mercieca and E. Grima was not cleared by the Youngsters defence and Fernando de Andrade put Sannat back into the match on the 67^th minute. J. M. Portelli hit the upright with a fine try. Sannat went close when a K. Mercieca shot ended just over the top. Nadur kept insisting and made sure with the 3^rd goal. On the 83^rd minute Joseph M. Portelli concluded a cross by Nwankwo with a low shot that gave Bajada no chance. Sannat were now demoralised and Chris Camilleri sealed the final score with the 4^th goal for Nadur following a fine solo action 2 minutes from time. The match was over and the Youngsters clan were in the 7^th heaven with this 10^th title coming on the Youngsters 50th Anniversary. What a way to Celebrate!! Nadur led the table throughout the whole season and were without any doubt the best side this season. Congratulation.