Next Match
| Youngsters lose to Sannat and lose the title |
| Tuesday, 05 April 2011 06:19 |
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Sannat Lions - 2 vs Nadur Youngsters - 1 Sannat Lions won the Gozitan championship for the tenth time in their history with a victory in their penultimate match against contenders Nadur Youngsters. This match was a direct clash as Sannat needed just one point to become mathematically champions while Nadur needed a victory to keep their hopes alive at least until the last day of the championship. As expected the match pulled a large crowd to the Gozo Stadium and the two sides lived up to the expectation as they produced an entertaining match with some very good football particularly during the second half of the first period. Sannat’s win was deserved as they managed to keep control of their motivation. They had a quiet start but managed to come out of a difficult phase when Nadur produced a forcing in an attempt to recover a goal. Sannat controlled better during the period and also managed to score the goal that not only decided the issue but that made sure of the three points and of the mathematical certainty of the title. For this match the two sides had a player each missing due to suspension, Sannat’s Chris Camilleri and Nadur’s Josef Buttigieg. Play was rather balanced during the first quarter of the match where the two sides seemed conditioned by importance of the match. Both Sannat and Nadur tried to be cautious at their respective defense and scoring opportunities were rare. However, the match became much more open for the rest of the first half. Sannat opened the score in the 19th minute when John Camilleri released himself in Nadur’s area and surprised goalie Steve Sultana with a low shot from a closed angle. Nadur tried to produce an immediate reaction and kept some pressure on Sannat’s rearguard. On 26 minutes Nadur threatened Sannat’s defense but Milos Stojanovic’s header from a cross by Anthony Portelli ended wide. Three minutes later a lob by Anthony Portelli missed the target. Nadur were rewarded for their efforts three minutes after the half hour of play when Claudio Antunes concluded in goal with a fine header following a free kick by Milos Stojanovic. One minute later Nadur’s goalie Steve Sultana turned with difficulty in corner a cross shot by Mark Formosa and on 36 minute it was Sannat’s goalie Adrian Agius who saved with difficulty a close ranged header by Anthony Portelli. Two minutes later Sannat were unlucky when an attempt by John Camilleri hit the crossbar and Nadur replied in the following action through a long ranged shot by Claudio Antunes that was saved by goalie Adrian Parnis. Four minutes from half time Nadur were again dangerous when a header by Milos Stojanovic from a corner action was cleared off the line by Andrew Debono and from the rebound Jeffrey Meilaq’s attempt was blocked by the defense. After the resumption the two sides continued to produce good play as they both tried to win the match One minute after the hour of play Nadur were dangerous through a direct free kick by Claudio Antunes that was saved with difficulty in corner by goalie Adrian Parnis. Sannat regained the lead two minutes later. Maurice Hongla released Eric Nwankwo in Nadur’s territory and the latter placed in goal with a fine shot on the run. Nadur were demoralized while Sannat gained confidence and administered their one goal lead with authority. Sannat could have added another goal seconds from the final whistle when John Camilleri unmarked Eric Nwankwo following a fast break but the latter saw his low drive neutralized by goalie Steve Sultana. At the end of the match Sannat’s players and staff were joined by the numerous supporters in celebrations for the honour that was secured as a result of this match. Source: www.gozofootball.net
Sunday 3rd April 2011 at 16:00 pm.
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Melita First Division League - Matchday 17
