Nadur Youngsters and SK Victoria Wanderers reach GFA KO semi-finals

Holders Nadur Youngsters and league leaders Qala Saints will contest the GFA Knock Out final after seeing off Xewkija Tigers and SK Victoria Wanderers respectively in last weekend’s semi-finals.

The Youngsters overcame the challenge of Xewkija Tigers while Qala Saints knocked out SK Victoria Wanderers.

The first semi-final between Nadur and Xewkija was played in difficult weather conditions due to the strong winds.

Both sides held long spells of possession but struggled to make the most of their scoring opportunities.

In the end, the match was decided on 76 minutes when the Xewkija defence failed to clear the ball away from a corner action, with the ball finishing into the path of Marcelo Muniz who blasted into the net.

In the second semi-final, Qala Saints found it harder than expected to see off the challenge of SK Victoria Wanderers as they battled through following a 1-0 win.

The Maroons dominated the match for long stretches but failed to convert the several scoring opportunities that came their way.

Added to that, on more than one occasion they were almost made to pay for their profligacy as the Wanderers were dangerous with their swift transitions.

However, Qala’s efforts were rewarded on 84 minutes when they grabbed the winner through a close-ranged shot by Jordi Parnis following a cross by Lucas Matheus.

GFA Division Two

Promotion favourites, Victoria Hotspurs made it two wins out two in Division Two when they beat Għarb Rangers 6-0.

As expected, the Hotspurs dominated the match throughout and managed to score three times in each half.

Lucas Farrugia opened the score in the second minute and the Citizens added two more goals in the space of two minutes through Wellington (26) and Joseph George Vella (28).

After the break, Gharb failed to produce a reaction and the Hotspurs added three more goals through Shaun Attard (48), Lorenzo Atzori (53) and Wellington (70).

Munxar Falcons and Żebbug Rovers earned a point apiece following a 1-1 draw.

Munxar started favourites to bag their third win in a row but Żebbuġ were determined to pick up points and stay close to the top positions.

Munxar took an early lead through Nathaniel Mercieca (3) but Żebbuġ managed to salvage a point when Miguel Ampudia levelled matters five minutes from the end of the first half.

NEXT FIXTURES

PLAYING ON FRIDAY

GFA Division One
Xagħra vs Għajnsielem 19.00

PLAYING TOMORROW

GFA Division Two
St Lawrence vs Victoria H. 12.45
Sannat L. vs Għarb R. 15.00

PLAYING ON SUNDAY

GFA Division One
SK Victoria vs Oratory Y. 13.00
Xewkija T. vs Kercem A. 15.00