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| Convincing Win for Nadur |
| Thursday, 15 September 2011 07:01 |
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Independence Cup Preliminary Round Ghajnsielem - 2 vs Nadur Youngsters FC - 4
The Youngsters saw more of the ball during the first period and held pressure over their opponents for most of the time. Ghajnsielem found it difficult to maneuver and were often in difficulty to control Nadur's strikers. However, the Blacks could have opened the score on 19 minutes when Nadur's goalkeeper and the central defender hesitated but debutant Manwel Cordina failed to take full advantage of the situation. Nadur replied one minute later through a header by skipper Anthony Portelli following a cross from the right flank that was neutralized by goalie Matthew Muscat. The Youngsters opened the score on 23 minutes through a low drive by Milos Stojanoiv from the edge of the area that surprised goalie Grech. Ghajnsielem were shocked and Nadur increased their efforts to take advantage of their good moment. On 25 minutes Ghajnsielem's goalie Grech was called to make a difficult save following a strike by Claudio Antunes and two minutes later a goal by Joseph Grima was disallowed for an offside position. Six minutes from half time it was once again Ghajnsielem's goalie Grech who denied Nadur from score when he turned in corner with difficulty a free kick by Claudio Antunes. The Blacks came out more determined after the break and during the first minute of play Nadur's goalie Matthew Muscat deflected with difficulty in corner a cross shot by Robert Grima. One minute later the same goalkeeper saved in corner a free kick by Alex Simoncic. The match now became more interesting as Nadur resisted the pressure and operated some breaks that threatened Ghajnsielem's rearguard. Nadur doubled the score on 58 minute when the referee awarded a penalty for a tackle by Joseph Buttigieg on Anthony Porterlli and the same Portelli converted from the spot kick. Ghajnsielem were demoralized and three minutes later Nadur were again dangerous through a direct free kick by Milos Stojanovic that ended just high. On 65 minutes a long ranged shot by Saviour Attard ended high and three minutes later the Youngsters increased their lead. It was Claudio Antunes who headed in goal a good cross from the left flank by Paul Camilleri. Nadur practically made sure of the qualification with a fourth goal that arrived six minutes from time through a low drive by Claudio Antunes. The Blacks produced a reaction during the dying moments as Nadur reduced their pressure and scored two goals through Manwel Cordina. In the 85th minute Ghajnsielem's striker netted with a low drive following a fast break and in the 90th minute the same player converted in goal an inviting low pass by Jason Portelli.
Wednesday 7th September 2011 at 19:30 pm.
Source: Gozo Football Association |
In the last match from the quarter final stage of the Independence Cup Nadur Youngsters produce a fine performance to eliminate Ghajnsielem. Nadur's win matured with goals scored during the second period but the Youngsters prevailed over their opponents for long stretches. The protagonists of Nadur's win were their three established player in the forward line as Milos Stojanovic, Anthony Portelli and Claudio Antunes scored all the four goals. Ghajnsielem had a good reaction during the first part of the second period but were demoralized as they suffered the second goal. The Blacks should take credit for their final efforts where they score two late goals to make the defeat more respectable.
