Xewkija’s Fight back shakes Nadur’s title hopes

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 23:00

Melita First Division League

Nadur Youngsters - 2 vs Xewkija Tigers - 2

- by Saviour Attard

Nadur’s hopes of winning the 11th title in their history suffered a severe blow on Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Xewkija Tigers at the Sannat Ground. Nadur were seemingly in control of the match after goals from Antunes and De Souza but Xewkija fought back to deprive their opponents from a vital three points.

Bright Start

Chasing the victory that would have put them one point behind the league summit, Nadur came out brilliantly in the first half and established a two goal lead through Claudio Antunes and Andre De Souza. Antunes was quick to bounce on a flick by Attard and put behind Xuereb from De Souza’s free kick after 20 minutes of play. The second goal arrived on the half our mark from a superb volley by De Souza following a cross by Josef Buttigieg.

Xewkija pressure

Xewkija Tigers tried to get back in the game and went close before the break when Basil Chibueze sneaked in the Nadur area but Sultana was cynical to block his run. The second period saw the yellows more aggressive despite Josef Xerri’s sending off .They managed to pull one back on the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Chibueze by Saviour Attard. To make things worse for Nadur, Attard also received his second yellow and was dismissed. From the spot-kick Chibueze made no mistake.

Late Twist

The Whites had the opportunity to re-gain a two-goal advantage through Claudio Antunes and Charles Hili but Jonathan Xuereb was brave to keep his side in contention. They looked to hold on the slim lead for an extremely important three points but there was more drama in store in the last minutes.Five minutes from time Rodney Butigieg escaped Nadur’s offside trap, dribbled Sultana and shot. The ball went off the post and crossed the score line despite Gary Hili’s attempt to clear the danger.

Third sending off

In the dying minutes Nadur ended with nine players as Andre De Souza was also sent off for dissent. The Brazilian with Saviour Attard, will miss the next match against Sannat Lions on the 28th of March. Nadur’s hopes highly depend on the match as a win can be of great stimulation for the direct clash against Ghajnsielem next month.

Sunday, 14th March 2010 at 13:00 pm

Referee: Andre Arciola

Scorers: Claudio Antunes 18', Abdre de Souza 33' (N), Basil Chibueze 61' (pen), Rodney Buttigieg 85' (X)

Nadur Formation: Steve Sultana, Jeffery Meilaq, Mario Portelli (Charles Hili), Saviour Attard, Charles Mercieca, Gary Hili, Ryan Meilaq (Paul Camilleri), Andre De Souza, Claudio Antunes, Anthony Portelli, Josef Buttigieg.

Photos By Joseph Mercieca www.gozovision.com

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