Nadur Youngsters were eliminated from the Gozo F.A. Cup by the holders, Għajnsielem, at the semi final stage. Nadur had only themselves to blame for this defeat as their play lacked conviction, looked tired and their passing was poor. Coming from the celebrations marking their 10^th title only four days, the Youngsters did enough to keep the Blacks away from the danger area during the first half, and operated with supposedly fast breaks, even though they never really create any real danger. Għajnsielem were playing all their season, as it had been obvious since Christmas that their season will depend on this Cup. Winning the second best honour will definitely save your season, especially when you could not be competitive enough to challenge for the top honour.

The first danger of the match comes the Champions way when a free kick by A. Simoncic was headed just wide by Nwankwo. Għajnsielem responded with an F. Galea shot being deflected for a corner by J. Meilak. D. Odavic risked the own goal when he headed the ball following a cross by S. Azzopardi. Għajnsielem kept insisting and a nice try by D. Okanu hit a defender and flew to safety. Nadur missed the tenacity of C. Camilleri in the midfield area. J. Meilak was again in the right place to clear the danger a fine cross by Jh. Camilleri, in a 3 against 1 situation. Nadur kept playing the high ball game, and Għajnsielem were controlling with certain ease.

Nadur started the second half more aggressive and managed to open the score on the 50^th minute. A cross from the right by A. Portelli was well taken by Chidi Eric Nwankwo, who beat his marker and went solo to easily place the ball behind the out coming Agius. This was the best patch by Nadur, and a free kick by A. Simoncic was just a bit too high for J. M. Portelli to create any danger. With Nadur easing up a bit, Għajnsielem began to get more into the picture. A free kick by B. Meilak ended wide. D. Okanu missed a sitter when after beating the offside trap, he come face to face with Xuereb with the latter getting first on the ball. On the 64^th minute the score became 1-1. A high ball was not cleared by the Youngsters defence, and after bouncing a couple of time in the six yard area, Dominic Okanu headed behind the helpless Xuereb. Nadur’s reaction came through a lob by J. M. Portelli easily saved by Agius and a fine try by J. Buttigieg ending inches wide off the far post. On the 77^th minute a fatal mistake by C. Hili was immediately punished by Għajnsielem. J. Buttigieg robbed the ball from Hili, passed to the unmarked Victor Tavares and the latter placed in goal with a low shot. Nadur were demoralised and soon after had their Serbian midfielder sent off for a second yellow card. Nadur tried to go forward but lacked conviction to the point that Għajnsielem controlled the last minutes to go into next Tuesday’s final where they meet Qala St. Joseph. The winner will face Nadur Youngsters, 2 days later, in the Super Cup Final.

Nadur Youngsters Formation: Jonathan Xuereb; Peter Buttigieg; Jeffrey Meilak; Josef Buttigieg; Aleksandar Simoncic; Charles Hili; Marcos Rogerio Secco; Dejan Odavic; Chidi Eric Nwankwo; Anthony Portelli (Saviour Attard); Joseph M. Portelli.