Nadur Youngsters re-joined the title race, after beating Sannat Lions 3-1 yesterday evening at the Gozo Stadium. Anthony Portelli and Charlie Hili gave the Whites a two-goal lead early in the match but Sannat pulled one back through Nicolai Filipov. Nadur sealed the issue with the 14th goal of the season of Claudio Antunes midway in the second half.
Youngsters Go Second The win lifted Nadur to second spot equal on points with Gћajnsielem F.C. and three points behind league leaders Victoria Hotspurs. Nadur, who stumbled to a 2-2 draw with Xewkija in their previous match, looked motivated from the start of the game. Anthony Portelli was in the right place at the right time after 15 minutes, to score his 94th goal with the Whites as he tapped in a cross from the right by Ryan Meilak. Few moments later Charlie Hili doubled the lead after lifting the ball over Moussa Bamba outside the area and unleashed an unstoppable strike that ended in the corner of the net.
Momentum Builds Portelli had the opportunity to seal the issue after half an hour of play as he was unmarked with a brilliant true pass by Cadu. The Captain had the time to control the ball comfortably but his conclusion ended inches wide. Nadur were left to rue for their missed chance as Sannat pulled one-back through a penalty by Nicolai Filipov. From the resulting foul Charles Mercieca was yellow carded, and will miss the clash with Ghajnsielem. Sannat started the second half in a more determined mood and their pressure was rewarded as they were given another penalty after a foul on Errol Grima by Peter Buttigieg. Moussa Bamba took the shot from the spot but saw his effort hit the foot of the post.That proved to be Sannat’s best opportunity in the second half, Nadur restricting them to long shots that lacked accuracy or crosses that were easily dealt with by Sultana.
Cadu Inspirational After piercing Sannat’s defence several times, the Brazilian‘s goal seemed inevitable to come. On the hour mark, he won a ball from the midfield and after racing towards the area, he dribbled Njoku and placed behind Sannat’s Goalie and sealed the issue.
Cup Final This Wednesday Nadur will play the Jum il-Helsien Cup Final on Wednesday against Victoria Hotspurs at 2 pm. Gћajnsielem are up next for the league on Thursday the 8th of April at 7pm.
Thursday, 25th March 2010 at 19:00 p.m. Referee: Mario Apap Scorers: Anthony Portelli 17', Charles Hili 19', Claudio Antunes 63' (N), Nicolai Filipov 35' pen. (S) Nadur Formation: Steve Sultana, Peter Buttigieg, Charles Mercieca, Mario Portelli, Paul Camilleri (Jonathan Said), Jeffery Meilak, Charles Hili (Cristian Debono), Ryan Meilak, Anthony Portelli, Josef Buttigieg, Claudio Antunes (Joseph Grima)
