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2nd Round
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Zebbug Rovers FC 3 - 2 Victoria Hotspurs FC |
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Dramatic win for Our Rovers Sunday 7th February, Gozo Stadium, 3.00pm – Easyline 1st Division GFA League. Zebbug opened their second round of the Easyline GFA 1st Division League with a dramatic win against Victoria Hotspurs. Having come back from two goals behind, Victoria Hotspurs were disappointed to finish the game loosing in the last minute of the match by a goal from the penalty spot. After a goalless first forty five minutes, the second period offered everything one could expect at the Gozo Stadium. Zebbug took a double lead but Hotspurs reaction arrived and leveled the score. With few minutes to stoppage time everyone thought that the match was going to finish draw but Zebbug scored another goal from the penalty spot to pick the whole three points and regain the six points lead on Champions Nadur in the classification. Referees of the match were Mr George Portelli, Mr Karl Frendo Combo and Mr Reno Refalo.
The first period was very balanced with the ball alternating from one side to another. Zebbug went on the offensive in the early minutes were Leandro’s shot was well saved by Vella. On the other side Xuereb had to save on Mercieca’s direct free kick. On the 10th minute Cardona advanced and crossed to Sylvan Galea who headed in but Vella saved to keep the score untouched. Tauli’s direct free kick from outside the box went over the bar. Assistant Referee had some arguments with Zebbug coach who was sent off the pitch by the referee on the 32nd mintue.
The game was very balanced with the two sets of defenders dominating on their opponent’s strikers. Before the half time whistle Cardona crossed the ball to John Eboh but Buttigieg was in time to clear the danger for his team. Zebbug were totally superior to their opponents in the second half. After four minutes they took the lead. Ruben Galea’s through pass to Philip Cardona was perfect with Cardona concluding to the corner of the net to open the score. Hotspurs tried to answer but free kick taken by Joseph Mizzi went over the bar. On the 12th minute Zebbug added another goal. Ruben Galea was again the protagonist of this goal. His through pass to his brother Sylvan was concluded in another goal to double the lead. Leandro’s free kick on the 16th minute was saved by Vella.
Victoria Hotspurs reaction did not arrive immediately and it was Zebbug that could have extended their lead when from a cross by Sylvan Galea Eboh headed over the bar. On the 26th minute Noel Borg for Hotspurs fired a shot which went just over the bar. But on the 33rd minute Hotspurs were awarded a penalty. From the spot Victor Egere did not miss and opened new hopes for his team. In the last minutes of the game they tried to level the score with Zebbug controlling as they can. In fact the second goal for Hotspurs came on the 43rd minute. Victor Egere fired a beautiful direct free kick to the back of the net giving Xuereb no chance to save.
The joy for Hotspurs was immediately cancelled when Zebbug were given a penalty. James Buttigieg touched the ball in his box. From the spot Tauli Mahjoub scored the third goal for his team and gave them three important points to keep six points advantage on Nadur Youngsters. Before the final whistle Ogbodo who was debuting for the Hotspurs was sent off.
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