MFA U*BET FA Trophy Round I

Kercem Ajax - 0 vs Nadur Youngsters FC - 1

Nadur Youngsters obtained a close win over Kercem Ajax in an interesting match where the final score remained uncertain until the final whistle. It was a deserved win for the Youngsters as they produced more scoring opportunities and created the better play. However, Kercem remained in contention and gained confidence as time passed by.

Play was qwuite balanced during the early stages. Nadur had two attempts on separate occasions through Anthony Portelli and Josef Buttigieg that completely missed the target while Kercem replied on 12 minutes through a shot by Jean Paul Mizzi that ended just wide. Nadur's Claudio Antunes went close to scoring on two other occasions but his first effort ended high and in the other occasion his shot ended wide. On 32 minutes Nadur's goalie Matthew Muscat was called to make a difficult save following a header by Sabri Rais from a free kick by Jean Paul Mizzi and one minute later Nadur replied with an attempt by Anthony Portelli following a free kick by Brian Meilaq that ended just wide. Kercem were again dangerous six minutes from half time through a strike by Jean Paul Mizzi that was blocked in corner by the defense.

Nadur came out more aggressive for the second period and in the 47th minute a header by Milos Stojanovic from a corner action ended just wide. Minutes later Claudio Antunes had a shot from a good position following a cross by Jeffrey Meilaq that missed the target. Nadur scored the goal that decided the match on 51 minutes through a low shot by skipper Anthony Portelli to conclude a low pass by Claudio Antunes. Kercem were demoralized and Nadur kept insisting for the following minutes. However, on 62 minutes Kercem had a golden scoring opportunity when substitute Marlon Mamo took advantage of some hesitation by Nadur's goalie but his header addressed into an open goal was cleared off the line by Saviour Attard. Nadur also lost an open scoring opportunity on 70 minutes when Kercem's goalie Mercieca kicked badly; the ball arrived to Anthony Portelli who incredibly concluded wide with an open goal at his mercy. The match became more interesting in the final stages as Kercem tried to save the result while Nadur were aiming to put their minds at rest. However, Nadur had the better scoring opportunities until the end of the match. On 85 minutes a shot on the run by Josef Buttigieg following a good move by Anthony Portelli ended just wide and one minute from the end of regular time Kerce's goalie Courtney Mercieca denied Anthony Portelli from scoring when he blocked a close ranged low shot following a pass by Antunes.

Sunday 11th September 2011 at 19:00 pm.
Referee: Duncan Sultana
Scorers: Anthony Portelli 51' (N).
Nadur Formation: Matthew Muscat, Saviour Attard, Josef Buttigieg, Brian Meilaq, Darko Stojanovic, Charles Hili, Milos Stojanovic, Jeffery Meilaq, Claudio Antunes, Anthony Portelli, Joseph Grima (Christian Debono).
Coach: Frank Muscat.
Assistant Coach: Joseph Bajada.

Source: Gozo Footballl Association.