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Zebbug Rovers FC 3 - 2 Nadur Youngsters FC |
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Saturday 31st January, Gozo Stadium, 12.30pm – Easyline 1st Division GFA League. This match between the two top teams in the 1st Division Easyline GFA League brought to an end the first round. Zebbug secured a comfortable six point lead at the top of the table and the only team undefeated in the first round. They won five matches out of six while they drew one against Ghajnsielem. Nadur suffered their second defeat of the campaign. Ironically they finished this round the same way they started it, with a defeat. In their first match they were defeated by Kercem Ajax. Zebbug confirmed their strength in every department especially in attack were they scored in every game and on five occasions they scored three goals. They are hoping to win their first Championship and if their brilliant form continues it is difficult to imagine any other team to challenge them.
This direct clash opened with Zebbug on the offensive and on the 4th minute from a cross by Azzopardi, Tauli alone shot incredibly wide. On the other end Marlow from outside the box shot wide too. Minutes late it was Trambu who cleared a dangerous cross shot by Chris Camilleri of Nadur. Champions Nadur were playing better now and on the 19th minute Xuereb had to save on Ihbuelu. On the other end Falzon saved Cardona’s cross shot.
On the 27th minute Zebbug took the lead when Tauli crossed the ball and Leandro headed to the back of the net. Nadur tried to react but were confused in the attacks and did not penetrate the solid defense of Zebbug. It was Zebbug that doubled the lead on the 39th minute. Cini passed the ball to Eboh who concluded with a shot to make the score 2-0. Only one minute later Nadur were given a penalty when Galea fouled Portelli in the box. From the spot Marlow did not miss and put back his team in the game.
In the second half Nadur pressed to level the score and on the 3rd minute Xuereb blocked Buttigieg’s header from a cros of Marlow. Three minutes later Ihbuelu’s header was saved by Xuereb. Although Nadur were looking for the equalizer, Zebbug controlled and from one of their counter attacks on the 24th minute they extended their lead to 3-1. Eboh received a through pass from Falzon, dribbled a defender and fired to the back of the net.
After this goal Nadur’s reaction was very poor and Zebbug controlled without any difficulty. Nadur were given a second penalty three minutes in the injury time when Trambu fouled Ihbuelu. Marlow from the penalty spot scored his second goal to make the final score read 3-2. The final whistle by Mr Zammit arrived seconds later without any time for Nadur to level the score. Referee of the match was Mr Anton Zammit and his assistants were Mr Gordon Barbara and Mr Paul Apap.
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